Condemn Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Condemn, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Condemn?

It is a legal aunthority of the governemnet that a property or even a navigable vessel like a ship is unsafe for staying or using for any other purpose because of its construction defects and therefore should be vacated.This order can also be given if the property is used for illegal purposes. 2)It is the right to take privately owned land or property for public use in exchange of a fair compensation,this is called right of eminent domain. 3)To convict a person guilty of a crime and sentence him to prison.

History and Meaning of Condemn

Condemn is a legal term with multiple meanings. The first meaning is when the government or local authorities declare a property or structure unsafe for human occupancy, often due to construction defects or health risks. In such cases, people living or working within the unsafe premises must vacate the property. Another meaning of condemn is exercising the right of eminent domain by the government or local authorities. This permits them to acquire private land or property for public use while providing a fair compensation to the property owner. Lastly, condemn can also mean finding someone guilty of a crime or sentencing them to imprisonment.

Examples of Condemn

  • Due to a recent earthquake, the city engineer condemned the apartment building, declaring it unfit for habitation.
  • The county commission condemned several private properties to build a new highway.
  • The judge condemned the perpetrator to ten years in prison for carrying out a terrorist attack.
  • Following its investigation, the department of health condemned the grocery store for selling expired food products.

Legal Terms Similar to Condemn

  • Right of Eminent Domain - the right of the government to acquire private property for public use, usually by paying a fair compensation to the property owner.
  • Criminal Conviction - a legal process where a person is found guilty of committing a crime after a trial.
  • Eviction - the legal process of removing someone from a property or land they occupy, usually enforced by landlords or the authorities.
  • Forfeiture - the government's legal process of taking away property or assets from individuals or organizations that have been involved in illegal activities.
  • Seizure - the act of taking control or confiscating property by law enforcement agencies, usually in the context of drugs, weapons, or other illegal activities.