Public Purpose
/ˈpʌblɪk ˈpɜːrpəs/
Definitions
- (n.) A legally sanctioned justification for government actions or expenditures aimed at benefiting the community as a whole rather than private individuals.
The city's acquisition of land was justified by the public purpose of building a new park.
- (n.) The criterion used in eminent domain law to determine whether property seizure serves community welfare rather than private interest.
The court held that constructing a highway meets the public purpose requirement under eminent domain statutes.
Forms
- public purpose
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Public purpose is a critical concept in property and administrative law, often influencing the legality of government actions and just compensation requirements.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.