What term describes the action of the government returning a parcel of real property to a private citizen?

The concept described in the question aligns with the term "reclamation." This refers to the action taken by the government to return a parcel of real property to a private citizen. Reclamation typically involves restoring land that may have been previously taken or improved by governmental actions, allowing it to be returned to private ownership or use. This process often requires the government to assess the land, its previous uses, and the legality of returning it to private individuals.

In contrast to "reclamation," condemnation refers to the act of taking private property for public use, usually via legal processes, which does not involve returning property to a private citizen. Redistribution and cloud are terms that pertain to different aspects of property law and management. Redistribution refers to the allocation of property or resources in a different manner, while cloud often relates to ambiguities in property titles that require resolution. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for grasping property law dynamics.