Oregon 30-Hour Real Estate Law Practice Test

How is the transfer of land through eminent domain or condemnation commonly referred to?

1. Voluntary alienation

2. Involuntary alienation

3. Legal alienation

4. Conditional transfer

The correct answer is: Involuntary alienation

The transfer of land through eminent domain or condemnation is commonly referred to as involuntary alienation. This term describes situations where property is taken away from its owner against their will, typically for public use, with compensation provided to the owner. Involuntary alienation contrasts with voluntary alienation, where a property owner willingly transfers their property, such as through a sale or gift. The process of eminent domain involves the exercise of government power to acquire private property for public purposes, like building roads or schools, which underscores the involuntary nature of this transfer. The term legal alienation is not specific to the context of property transfer through condemnation, and conditional transfer implies that the transfer depends on certain conditions, which does not apply to eminent domain as the government has a direct authority to take the property. Therefore, involuntary alienation accurately encapsulates the essence of the transfer under the context of eminent domain.