South Carolina Constitution Article XIV - Eminent Domain

16 Jun 2025 --
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South Carolina Constitution – Article XIV: Eminent Domain

There is no Article XIV titled "Eminent Domain" in the South Carolina Constitution. However, eminent domain is addressed within Article I (Declaration of Rights) — specifically:

📌 Relevant Provision on Eminent Domain:

Article I, Section 13 – Eminent Domain

Text:
"Private property shall not be taken for private use without the consent of the owner, nor for public use without just compensation being first made therefor."

🔍 Key Points:

Public Use Requirement: The government may only take private property for public use.

Just Compensation: Property owners must be fairly compensated before the property is taken.

Prohibition on Private Use: Taking private property for another private party is prohibited, unless the owner consents.

🏛 Context:

This provision mirrors protections in the U.S. Constitution's Fifth Amendment, but applies specifically to actions taken by the State of South Carolina or its political subdivisions.