Chapter 13 - Condemnation and Adverse Possession

Question 1

What is condemnation?

Answer 1

The act or process by which the power of eminent domain is exercised

Question 2

What are severance damages?

Answer 2

Where there is a partial taking of property under the stat’s power of eminent domain. These damages are compensable where the partial taking lowers the highest and best use of otherwise limits the use of the remainder of the property.

Question 3

What is the before and after method?

Answer 3

a determination of the value of the land before the condemnation, and a revaluation of its worth after the condemnation.

Question 4

What is inverse condemnation?

Answer 4

occurs when the property owner attempts to force a governmental unit to purchase his/her property, claiming that an action of a governmental body has destroyed or reduced the value of the property, even though there was no official exercise of the right of eminent domain and no compensation offered or paid to the property owner.

Question 5

What is adverse possession?

Answer 5

is a title acquired by a person who has taken possession of the land without permission and has remained in possession for specified number of years. 30 years for improved real estate and 60 years for woodlands and uncultivated tracts.