What does the term condemnation refer to?

Condemnation specifically refers to the legal process through which a government or authorized entity takes private property for public use, typically through the power of eminent domain. This process allows the state to acquire land necessary for public projects such as highways, schools, or parks, ensuring that the community's needs are met.

In condemnation proceedings, the property owner is entitled to just compensation for their property, which is intended to reflect the fair market value of what has been taken. This principle safeguards the rights of property owners while allowing governmental agencies to fulfill public needs.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of condemnation. Sharing property, selling property, or valuing property for taxation are different legal and transactional processes that do not involve the government's authority to take private property for the public good, which is the defining characteristic of condemnation.