Most commonly, see eminent domain. Other definitions include the following: (A) mar. law. The sentence or judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction that a ship or vessel taken as a prize on the high seas, was liable to capture, and was properly and legally captured. 2. By the general practice of the law of nations, a sentence of condemnation is, at present, generally deemed necessary in order to divest the title of a vessel taken as a prize. Until this has been done the original owner may regain his property, although the ship may have been in possession of the enemy twenty-four hours, or carried infra praesidia. A sentence of condemnation is generally binding everywhere. Marsh. on Ins. 402. 3. The term condemnation is also applied to the sentence which declares a ship to be unfit for service; this sentence and the grounds of it may, however, be re-examined and litigated by parties interested in disputing it. (B) civil law. A sentence of judgment which condemns some one to do, to give, or to pay something; or which declares that his claim or pretensions are unfounded. This word is also used by common lawyers, though it is more usual to say conviction, both in civil and criminal cases. It is a maxim that no man ought to be condemned unheard, and without the opportunity of being heard.
Law Dictionary – Alternative Legal Definition
In admiralty law. The judgment or sentence of a court having jurisdiction and acting In rem, by which (1) it is declared that a vessel which has been captured at sea as a prize was lawfully ao seized and is liable to be treated as prize; or (2) that property which has been seised for an alleged violation of the revenue laws, neutrality laws, navigation laws, etc., was lawfully so seized, and is, for such cause, forfeited to the government; or (3) that the vessel which is the subject of inquiry is unfit and unsafe for navigation. Gallagher v. Murray, 9 Fed. Cas. 1087. In the civil law. A sentence or judgment which condemns some one to do, to give, or to pay something, or which declares that his claim or pretentions are unfounded. Lockwood v. Saffold, 1 Ga. 72. In real property law. The process by which property of a private owner Is taken for public use, without his consent, but upon the award and payment of just compensation, being in the nature of a forced sale.