Module 1: Public Trust Doctrine - What Is It?

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Public Trust Doctrine

Module 1: What Is It?

Module 2: A Dynamic Doctrine

Module 3: Geographic Scope

Module 4: Determining Public Trust

Module 5: The Trust Responsibilities of States

Module 6: Administering the Trust

Module 7: Riparian Rights and Takings

Module 8: Concurrent State and Federal Authority

Module 9: Advocating the Trust

Public Trust Doctrine

The Public Trust Doctrine—What Is It?

Long Beach, Cal. Haines Photo Co. 1908. Library of Congress Panoramic Photograph Collection.

Module Description

This module presents a basic overview of the Public Trust Doctrine.

Module Objectives

After completing this module, you will be able to:

Describe the legal origins of the Public Trust Doctrine
Explain what rights the public has under the doctrine
Specify which lands and waters are subject to the doctrine
Discuss the physical, legal, and administrative differences between Public Trust lands and other properties
Describe ways in which the states have expanded the reach of the doctrine