The seizure of private land without just compensation is prohibited by which legal document?

The prohibition of seizing private land without just compensation is enshrined in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This amendment includes the Takings Clause, which clearly states that private property cannot be taken for public use without just compensation. This legal protection is fundamental in ensuring that individuals are fairly compensated when their property rights are affected by government action, such as eminent domain.

While state constitutions may also provide similar protections, the U.S. Constitution establishes a baseline standard that applies uniformly across the nation. Local ordinances and federal regulations may reinforce or further specify property rights, but they cannot override the constitutional guarantee that ensures just compensation for takings. Thus, the U.S. Constitution is the primary legal document that explicitly addresses this issue at the federal level.