Eminent domain is the legal authority of a government to take private property for public use, provided that the property owner is paid just compensation. This power is typically exercised by governmental authorities to acquire land or property for projects such as building roads, schools, utilities, or other public infrastructure. The concept is rooted in the principle that the needs of the community or society as a whole may outweigh individual property rights; however, the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees that eminent domain can only be used if just compensation is paid to the private property owners. The Box Law Group has significant experience representing both private property owners and condemning authorities in the eminent domain process throughout Oklahoma.