Condemnation Law refers to the attempt by a government entity to procure for itself a private parcel of private property. The Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution states that “private property shall not be taken for public use, without just compensation.” Most state constitutions have similar legislation.

Gordon and Pikarski represents private property owners in their objection either to the taking of their land or the level of compensation offered in return for the land. We consider real property ownership of private citizens to be the most basic and cherished right granted by the Constitution.