Legal Definitions - compulsory surrender

Definition: Compulsory surrender refers to the legal process of taking possession of private property by the government or other authorized entity without the owner's consent. This can occur through eminent domain or expropriation.

Example: A city government may use compulsory surrender to acquire land for a new highway project. The government would compensate the property owner for the fair market value of the land, but the owner would not have the option to refuse the sale.

Explanation: Compulsory surrender is a legal tool used by governments to acquire private property for public use. This can include land for infrastructure projects, such as highways or airports, or for public facilities, such as schools or parks. The government must provide fair compensation to the property owner, but the owner does not have the option to refuse the sale. This process is often controversial, as it can disrupt communities and displace residents from their homes or businesses.