Which legal concept protects landowners from taking their property without compensation?

The legal concept that protects landowners from having their property taken without compensation is known as "just compensation." This principle is rooted in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states that private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation. This means that if the government needs to acquire private land for projects such as roads or public facilities, it must provide fair and adequate payment to the property owner.

The idea behind just compensation is to ensure fairness and equity, recognizing that property owners should not suffer a loss without being fairly compensated for the market value of their property. The concept acts as a safeguard for landowners, promoting respect for their property rights while allowing for necessary public development.

In contrast, while due process relates to the legal rights of individuals and fair treatment through the judicial system, and public use refers to the requirement that property be taken only for purposes that benefit the public, these concepts do not directly address the issue of compensation. Liability pertains to legal responsibility for one's actions, which is also not relevant to the discussion of property rights and governmental takings.