Which legal process involves compensating an owner for property taken for public use?

The legal process that involves compensating an owner for property taken for public use is known as condemnation. This process is tied to the government's power of eminent domain, which allows them to take private property for public purposes, provided that the property owner is given just compensation.

Condemnation typically comes into play in scenarios such as constructing highways, schools, or other public infrastructure. The property owner has the right to receive fair market value for their property, ensuring that they are adequately compensated for the loss of their asset. This process is crucial for balancing the rights of individuals with the needs of the community.

While expropriation is often used interchangeably with condemnation, in some contexts, it may have specific legal nuances. However, in the context of standard terminology related to property taken for public use, condemnation is the most widely recognized term. Zoning and adverse possession do not pertain to compensating property owners for government takeovers; zoning refers to land use regulations, while adverse possession involves a party gaining ownership of property through continuous and exclusive possession without the consent of the owner for a statutory period.