Public Access Cases

Collection of significant cases addressing public access rights, including beach access, navigable waters, public trails, and recreational easements.

156
Total Cases
42
Landmark Cases
89
State Cases
15
New This Year

Landmark ruling defining public beach access rights and the extent of private property owners' rights to restrict access.

Beach Access Public Trust State Supreme Court
123 Cal.4th 789 (2023) Cited 67 times

Mountain Recreation Assoc. v. State (2022)

Important decision regarding public access rights to historic trails crossing private land.

Trail Access Historic Use Federal
567 F.3d 890 (9th Cir. 2022) Cited 34 times

Waterfront Owners v. State DNR (2022)

Case addressing public access rights to navigable waters through private property.

Water Access Navigable Waters State
345 Wis.2d 678 (2022) Cited 28 times
...

Access Type Distribution

Beach Access 40%
Trail Access 25%
Water Access 20%
Recreational 15%

Key Legal Principles

Public Trust Doctrine

Government must protect public resources for use and enjoyment by all citizens.

Historic Use

Long-standing public use can establish permanent access rights through prescription.

Balance of Rights

Courts must balance private property rights with public access needs.