Under eminent domain, the government must pay:

• A. A nominal fee
• B. The owner's asking price
• C. Just compensation equal to the fair market value
• D. No payment if the owner refuses

Answer: (C)

Under eminent domain, the government can take private property for a public use, but it must provide just compensation for that taking. That compensation is typically the property’s fair market value at the time of the taking, determined by appraisal and aiming to place the owner in a financially equivalent position as if the property were sold on the open market. This standard protects both the public interest and the owner's rights.

Why this fits the best: just compensation is the constitutional requirement, and fair market value is the customary method for measuring what that compensation should be. It ensures the owner is not left worse off because the government uses the land for a public project.

Why the other ideas aren’t correct: paying only a nominal fee would not satisfy the constitutional requirement for just compensation. Agreeing to or accepting the owner’s asking price isn’t binding—the value is determined by an objective appraisal. No payment at all is not allowed—the takings process requires compensation to be provided.