What does 'eminent domain' allow?

Eminent domain is a legal principle that grants the government the authority to take private property for public use, provided that the property owner is compensated fairly. This power is rooted in the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which states that private property shall not be taken for public use, without just compensation. The primary purpose of eminent domain is to allow the government to undertake projects that benefit the public, such as building roads, schools, or utilities, which would otherwise be difficult to accomplish if property owners could refuse to sell their land.

This concept underscores the balance between the needs of the community and the rights of individuals. The requirement for just compensation ensures that property owners receive a fair market value for their property, thereby protecting their interests while enabling necessary public developments.