Condemnation refers to:

• A. The transfer of property by heirs
• B. A general lien on all property
• C. The government’s right of eminent domain expressed through court action
• D. Ad valorem taxation on property

Answer: (C)

Condemnation is the government's power to take private property for public use under eminent domain, carried out through formal court action to determine just compensation. This process allows the state to acquire land for projects like roads or utilities while ensuring the owner is paid a fair value for the property. Transferring property by heirs describes inheritance, a general lien on all property is simply a claim against property for debts, and ad valorem taxation is property tax—none of these involve the government taking private land for public use through a formal eminent domain proceeding.