The 17th statement states that since property is a sacred and inviolable right, no one may be deprived of it, unless a legally established public necessity requires it.In that case a just compensation must be given in advance

The 17th Statement of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen of France

The 17th statement of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen of France states:

"Since property is an inviolable and sacred right, no one shall be deprived thereof except where public necessity, legally determined, shall clearly demand it, and then only on condition that the owner shall have been previously and equitably indemnified."

Explanation

This statement emphasizes the importance of property rights and addresses the circumstances under which property can be taken away by the government. Let's break down the key points of this statement:

1. Property as an inviolable and sacred right
The declaration recognizes that the right to property is fundamental and must be respected. It is considered inviolable and sacred, meaning that it should be protected and cannot be violated without just cause.

2. Deprivation of property
The statement acknowledges that there may be situations where property needs to be taken away from individuals. However, this deprivation must meet certain conditions to be considered legitimate.

3. Public necessity and legal determination
The taking away of property can only occur when there is a clear public necessity. This means that the government can only interfere with private property if it is for the greater good of society and serves a legitimate purpose. Furthermore, the decision to take away property must be legally determined, indicating that due process and legal procedures must be followed.

4. Equitable indemnification
If the government decides to deprive an individual of their property, it must provide fair and just compensation to the owner. This means that the owner should be compensated adequately for their loss.

Conclusion

The 17th statement of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen of France establishes property rights as a fundamental and protected right. It acknowledges that property can only be taken away under specific circumstances of public necessity and legal determination, with the condition that the owner is equitably indemnified. This statement ensures that individuals' property rights are respected and protected by the government.