What does the 5th Amendment's Takings Clause state?

The Takings Clause of the 5th Amendment specifically states that private property cannot be taken for public use without just compensation. This principle is rooted in the idea of protecting property rights and ensuring fairness in the relationship between individuals and the government. When the government needs to acquire private property for public purposes—such as building roads, schools, or other infrastructure—it is required to compensate the property owner fairly for the loss of their property. This requirement reflects the constitutional protection against the government's arbitrary actions and ensures that individuals are not unduly burdened by the state's exercise of power.

The focus of this clause is on the necessity of compensation and the requirement that any taking must serve a public purpose. This prevents scenarios where a government could simply appropriate private property without proper justification or recompense, thereby safeguarding individual rights and maintaining a balance between the individual's property rights and the needs of the community.