Define "eminent domain."

Eminent domain refers to the government's authority to take private property for public use, provided that the property owner is compensated fairly. This legal doctrine allows the government to acquire land necessary for infrastructure projects, such as highways, schools, or parks, that serve a greater societal benefit. The principle underlying eminent domain is rooted in the necessity for governments to fulfill their obligations to the public while also ensuring that individuals are not left without proper compensation for their loss.

The requirement for compensation safeguards property owners’ rights, ensuring they are not unjustly deprived of their assets without receiving appropriate value in return. This process is governed by legal frameworks that aim to strike a balance between public interests and private property rights, making option B the accurate definition of eminent domain.