expropriation

Expropriation is the governmental seizure of property or a change to existing private property rights, usually for public benefit. The Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution prohibits governmental taking of property without “ just compensation .” Prominent examples of expropriation include eminent domain in the United States, as well as land reform policies in South Africa .

[Last reviewed in July of 2021 by the Wex Definitions Team ]

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