Texas Crammer Practice Exam

What is the consequence of the city taking ten feet from a yard for road widening?

1. No compensation is provided

2. Compensation is required by law

3. The owner must pay additional taxes

4. The property value automatically decreases

The correct answer is: Compensation is required by law

When a city takes land for public use, such as road widening, it falls under the concept of eminent domain, which grants the government the right to acquire private property for public purposes while offering just compensation to the property owner. The requirement for compensation ensures that property owners are fairly compensated for the loss of their property rights. This principle helps to protect individual property rights, making it necessary for the government to provide a monetary value equivalent to the taken property, reflecting its market value. In this scenario, since the city is acquiring ten feet from a yard, the law mandates that compensation is provided to the owner to account for the loss. The process typically involves an appraisal to determine the fair market value of the portion taken. This not only adheres to legal standards but also maintains public trust and satisfaction by ensuring that those whose land is taken for community benefit are not left at a disadvantage.