What does 'condemnation' in property law mean?

In property law, 'condemnation' refers specifically to the government's authority to take private property for public use, which is outlined under the principle of eminent domain. This process typically requires that the property owner is compensated fairly for the value of the property taken. The compensation aspect is crucial, as condemnation must adhere to legal requirements that ensure property owners are not left at a loss when their property is acquired for public projects such as highways, schools, or parks.

The concept of fair compensation ensures that while the government can expropriate land for the greater good, the rights of individuals are protected, making option A the correct interpretation of condemnation in this context. The other options describe different legal concepts unrelated to the process of taking property for public use.