Legal Definitions - public easement

Public easement is a legal right that allows the public to use certain areas, such as streets, highways, paths, or airspace, even if they are owned by someone else. This means that the owner of the land must allow people to access a specific area of their property for the purposes stated in the easement. The purpose of a public easement is to provide enjoyment and access to the general public.

• Walking on a sidewalk
• Using public streets or highways
• Accessing a public park

These examples illustrate how the public can use certain areas that are owned by someone else. For instance, sidewalks are usually owned by the property owner, but the public has the right to walk on them. Similarly, public streets and highways are owned by the government, but the public has the right to use them for transportation. Public parks are also owned by the government, but the public has the right to access and enjoy them.