DEFENSE OF CONDEMNATION

WHAT IS EMINENT DOMAIN?

If the State and local governments believe it must acquire your property to further a public purpose, the State and local governments have the power, granted by the US Constitution, to take private property for public use. However, the property owner must receive just compensation in return.

If you receive a condemnation notice, you usually have just a short time to act to save your property, or at least negotiate a fair price. The law of “eminent domain” gives state and local governments the right to take private property for public use. But you have rights, too. You must receive just compensation for the value of your property, according to the 5th Amendment of the US Constitution.

next »