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Simple English definitions for legal terms
condemn
Read a random definition: communia precepta
A quick definition of condemn:
Condemn: When the government takes someone's property for public use, it is called condemnation. This can happen for things like building a road or creating a nature preserve. The government must follow rules and pay the owner a fair price for their property. If the owner thinks the government did something wrong, they can go to court to challenge the decision. Sometimes, the word "condemned" is used to describe someone who has been found guilty of a crime and is facing a severe punishment like the death penalty.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Condemn refers to the legal process where a government takes private property for public use. This power is called eminent domain and can be exercised by both local/state governments and the Federal Government. However, there are constitutional or statutory restrictions on when and how the government can condemn property. The government must provide just compensation to the owner of the property and can only condemn it when it serves a public purpose.
Example: A city government wants to build a new highway that will pass through a residential area. To do this, they need to acquire some of the houses in the area. The government can use eminent domain to condemn the properties and compensate the owners for their loss.
Explanation: In this example, the government is using eminent domain to condemn private property for a public purpose, which is the construction of a new highway. The owners of the properties will receive just compensation for their loss, which is determined by the fair market value of the property.
Example: A state government wants to create a nature preserve in a forested area. To do this, they need to acquire the land from private owners. The government can use eminent domain to condemn the properties and compensate the owners for their loss.
Explanation: In this example, the government is using eminent domain to condemn private property for a public purpose, which is the creation of a nature preserve. The owners of the properties will receive just compensation for their loss, which is determined by the fair market value of the property.
Example: A person has been found guilty of a crime and sentenced to death. They are referred to as "condemned."
Explanation: In this example, the term "condemned" is used in a different context. It refers to a person who has been found guilty of a crime and sentenced to death. This is not related to the legal process of eminent domain.