Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: legal opinion
Actual taking: When someone takes something, it's called a "taking." If they physically take it, that's called an "actual taking." But even if they don't physically take it, they can still be guilty of a "constructive taking" if they show they intend to keep it. The government can also take property, which is called a "constitutional taking." This happens when the government interferes with someone's use of their property. If the government takes property permanently, the owner is entitled to compensation. If it's only temporary, the owner may still be entitled to compensation for any harm done to the property.
Actual taking is the act of seizing an article, with or without removing it, but with an implicit transfer of possession or control. This term is commonly used in criminal and tort law.
These examples illustrate how actual taking can occur in different contexts, such as theft, government acquisition of private property, and eminent domain. In each case, there is a transfer of possession or control that constitutes an actual taking.