What is meant by eminent domain?

Eminent domain refers to the power of the government to take private property for public use, provided that the property owner is given fair compensation. This principle is rooted in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states that private property cannot be taken for public use without just compensation. This ensures that individuals are not unfairly deprived of their property without adequate financial restitution, promoting a balance between the needs of the community and the rights of property owners. The essence of eminent domain is to facilitate the construction of infrastructure and services that benefit the public, such as roads, schools, or parks, while also protecting individual rights through fair compensation.