Final answer:
The statement is false. Eminent Domain allows the government to take private property for public use with compensation. Escheat is the state's claim over property without heirs. They are different legal concepts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Eminent Domain and Escheat refer to the same principle involving the government's right to take private property for public use is false. Eminent Domain is the power of the government to take private property for public use, with just compensation to the owner, often for projects like highways, schools, or infrastructure that benefit the entire community. In contrast, Escheat refers to the transfer of property to the state when there are no legal claimants or heirs.
The Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution contains the Takings Clause, which allows for Eminent Domain. This has been interpreted to include public use not just as literal use by the public, but also uses which can include economic development and community benefits, as seen in the Kelo v. City of New London case. However, the controversial use of eminent domain for economic development led to legal reforms in many states, restricting its use in such contexts.