Warning
Info
Warning
Info
Simple English definitions for legal terms
Eminent Domain Clause
Read a random definition: jus antiquum
A quick definition of Eminent Domain Clause:
Eminent Domain Clause: This is a rule that says the government can't take away someone's private property for public use without paying them fairly for it. It's like if your friend wanted to borrow your toy, they would have to give you something in return for using it. This rule is in the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution.
A more thorough explanation:
The Eminent Domain Clause is a provision in the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution that states that private property cannot be taken for public use without just compensation. This means that if the government needs to take someone's property for a public project, they must pay the owner a fair price for it.
For example, if the government wants to build a new highway and needs to acquire land from private property owners, they must compensate the owners for the value of their land. This compensation must be fair and just, and the property owner cannot be forced to sell their land for less than it is worth.
The Eminent Domain Clause is an important protection for property owners, as it ensures that they are not unfairly deprived of their property without compensation. It also allows the government to carry out important public projects that benefit the community as a whole.