Question

A homeowner owned a house on a lot. The front ten feet of the lot were taken by eminent domain for a sidewalk. Would the homeowner be entitled to compensation?

A. Yes, it affects the market value of the property.
B. No, as it's for public infrastructure.
C. Compensation is only required for commercial properties.
D. The homeowner should pay for sidewalk construction.

Answer 1

Under the Fifth Amendment's Takings Clause, a homeowner is entitled to just compensation when their property is taken for public use such as sidewalk construction, impacting the property’s market value.

The right answer is A. Yes, it affects the market value of the property.

Step-by-step explanation:

A homeowner whose property is seized through eminent domain for a public use, such as the construction of a sidewalk, is indeed entitled to compensation.

The Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution stipulates that private property cannot be taken for public use without just compensation.

This principle is anchored in the Takings Clause and dictates that a fair amount of money must be paid to the property owner, reflecting the market value of the taken property.

In the scenario described, the creation of a sidewalk can be considered a public use because it serves the entire community. Therefore, the correct answer to the question would be A: Yes, it affects the market value of the property.

The right answer is A. Yes, it affects the market value of the property.