What are the pros and cons of eminent domain?

Answer 1

Pro:  The Govt can proceed with an improvement--ie road, building, park, defense facility.

Pro:  the property owner gets awarded just compensation, by a jury, for the economic loss of the property. 

Answer 2

Land needed for a true public good is acquired. The down-side, often the land sought after is not for a true public good but is just wanted for some business with good government connections. Either way some property owner is forced to sell their private property, whether they want too or not.

Answer 3

They are pros only if you're the Govt. 

They are cons if you own it and the Govt takes it.

Answer 4

Well, pro:  it gets the job done faster.  Con:  it takes people's property.