What does eminent domain allow the government to do?

Eminent domain is a legal principle that grants the government the authority to take private property for public use, provided that they offer just compensation to the property owner. This concept is rooted in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which ensures that individuals are compensated fairly when their property is taken for the benefit of the public, such as for infrastructure projects, parks, or other facilities deemed necessary for the community.

Just compensation means that the government must pay the fair market value of the property being taken, which serves to protect property owners from being unfairly deprived of their assets. This distinct process emphasizes public utility, reinforcing the balance between private property rights and the needs of society.

Other options do not accurately represent the principles associated with eminent domain. Leasing property is a contractual agreement and does not involve taking property outright; transferring titles without court approval does not align with the legal requirements surrounding property ownership; and negotiating lower costs for property ownership falls outside the scope of eminent domain, which specifically addresses the government's right to appropriate property while compensating the owner.