eminent domain
Definition of eminent domain
: a right of a government to take private property for public use by virtue of the superior dominion of the sovereign power over all lands within its jurisdiction
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Examples of eminent domain in a Sentence
The state took the homes by eminent domain to build the new road.
First Known Use of eminent domain
1783
EMINENT DOMAIN Defined for English Language Learners
eminent domain
Definition of eminent domain for English Language Learners
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law : a right of a government to take private property for public use
Law Dictionary
eminent domain
Legal Definition of eminent domain
: the right of the government to take property from a private owner for public use by virtue of the superior dominion of its sovereignty over all lands within its jurisdiction — see also condemn, expropriate, take 1b
Additional Notes on eminent domain
The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution requires the government to compensate the owner of property taken by eminent domain, stating “nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.” State constitutions contain similar provisions requiring that the property owner receive just compensation for the property taken.
Learn More about eminent domain
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Britannica English: Translation of eminent domain for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about eminent domain
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