In Louisiana, the term for the government’s right of eminent domain expressed through court action is:

• A. Escheat
• B. Condemnation
• C. Ad valorem tax
• D. Lien

Answer: (B)

Condemnation is the process by which the government uses its power of eminent domain through a court action to acquire private property for a public use, with just compensation for the owner. In Louisiana, this term specifically describes the legal proceeding that transfers title from private owner to the public entity after a court determines necessity and fair payment. This distinguishes it from escheat, which is when property reverts to the state on the owner's death without heirs; ad valorem tax, which is property tax assessed on value; and a lien, which is a security interest against property rather than an actual transfer of ownership through a lawsuit.