What is the doctrine of public trust?

The doctrine of public trust is a legal concept that has helped shape water law in California. It is based on the idea that certain resources, such as navigable waterways, are held in trust by the government on behalf of the public. This means that the government is entrusted with the responsibility of protecting and preserving these resources for the benefit of the public. In California, the doctrine of public trust has been used to protect water resources since the 19th century. In the landmark case of People v. Geri (1850), the California Supreme Court held that the state had held rivers, streams, and lakes in public trust from the time of its founding. This means that the state had a duty to protect these resources for their recreational and navigation uses, as well as for fisheries and other purposes. The doctrine of public trust has since been used to protect and manage water resources in California. It has been invoked to support and enforce laws such as the California Water Code and the California Coastal Act. It has also been used to defend access to public waterways and to protect the rights of water users. In summary, the doctrine of public trust is an important legal concept that has helped shape water law in California. It has been used to protect and manage water resources, as well as to defend access to public waterways and protect the rights of water users.

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What is the doctrine of public trust?

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