What does expropriation entail?

Expropriation involves the government’s action of taking private property for public use, often with compensation to the original owner. This process is typically justified under the concept of "eminent domain," where the government asserts the need to utilize the land for purposes that benefit the public, such as infrastructure development, road construction, or urban planning.

In the case of expropriation, the law often provides a framework for how the property is valued and how compensation is determined, ensuring that property owners are not left without just recompense. This concept is critical in balancing the needs of society with the rights of individuals, allowing for development while also respecting property rights.

The other options, while related to property transactions, do not accurately define expropriation. For instance, the sale of private property implies a voluntary transaction between parties, which is distinct from the enforced nature of expropriation. Leasing government land is a contract for use rather than a transfer of ownership, and the voluntary transfer of assets pertains to agreements made willingly by the owners, contrasting with the involuntary nature of expropriation.