Which term describes a legal procedure by which a government body seeks a court's permission to seize private property for public use?

• A. Tenancy at will
• B. Estate for years
• C. Tort
• D. Condemnation proceeding

Answer: (D)

Understanding eminent domain—the government’s power to take private property for public use—is key here. The legal mechanism used to obtain that taking is a condemnation proceeding. In this process, a government entity seeks a court order to transfer ownership while ensuring the property owner receives just compensation. The concept focuses on a formal, court-involved action to authorize the seizure for a public purpose. The other terms aren’t about government takings: tenancy at will and estate for years are lease arrangements, and a tort is a civil wrong unrelated to taking property through a public use.