What is defined as "eminent domain" in Missouri law?

Eminent domain in Missouri law refers to the power of the government to take private property for public use, as long as just compensation is provided to the property owner. This concept is rooted in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states that private property cannot be taken for public use without just compensation. In the context of Missouri, this means that if the state or local government needs land for projects such as highways, schools, or parks, they have the authority to acquire that land, but they must fairly compensate the owners based on the property's market value.

This principle is crucial in balancing the rights of individual property owners with the needs of the community. It ensures that while the government can promote public interests and projects, property owners are not unfairly deprived of their assets without appropriate reimbursement.