What does "condemnation" refer to in property law?

"Condemnation" in property law specifically refers to the process by which the government takes private property for public use, ensuring that the property owner is compensated for their loss. This legal principle is rooted in eminent domain, which allows governmental entities to acquire private land when necessary for projects that serve the public interest, such as building roads, schools, parks, or other infrastructure.

The requirement for compensation is a fundamental part of this process, ensuring that property owners are not unjustly deprived of their property without receiving just payment. This concept emphasizes the balance between the needs of society and the rights of individuals.

The other options do not accurately represent the definition of condemnation. For example, foreclosure pertains to the procedure lenders follow when a borrower defaults on a loan, not to the government's acquisition of property. Legal agreements relate to contracts between parties rather than the acquisition of property. Lastly, property valuation is a process of determining the worth of a property, which, while it may come into play in condemnation cases, does not define the act of condemnation itself.