Define: Public Trust Doctrine

The Public Trust Doctrine is a legal principle that holds certain natural resources, such as navigable waters, shorelines, and wildlife, as belonging to the public and held in trust by the government for the benefit of present and future generations. Originating from Roman law and later incorporated into common law, the doctrine asserts that certain resources are essential for public use and enjoyment and must be preserved and managed for the common good. Governments have a fiduciary responsibility to protect these resources from private appropriation or degradation and to ensure equitable access and sustainable use for all members of society. The Public Trust Doctrine serves as a basis for environmental conservation, access rights, and the regulation of natural resources, guiding legal decisions and policies to uphold public interests in safeguarding essential elements of the natural environment.

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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.