Legal Definitions - public property

Public property refers to any assets, including land, buildings, and infrastructure, that are owned and managed by a governmental entity rather than by a private individual or a corporation. These assets are held in trust for the benefit and use of the general public.

• Example 1: A Major Interstate Highway

  Consider Interstate 70, a significant highway that crosses several states in the United States. This vast network of roads is constructed, maintained, and regulated by federal and state governments. It serves as a vital transportation artery for millions of citizens, allowing them to travel freely without private ownership restrictions, demonstrating its status as property belonging to the public.

• Example 2: A Municipal Water Treatment Plant

  The water treatment plant that purifies and supplies drinking water to a large city. This facility, along with its extensive network of pipes and reservoirs, is typically owned and operated by the city government or a public utility district. It provides an essential service to all residents within its jurisdiction, highlighting its governmental ownership and its purpose for the collective public good.

• Example 3: A State Capitol Building

  The state capitol building, where the legislative and executive branches of a state government conduct their official business. This grand structure is owned by the state government and is often open to the public for tours, visits to elected officials, and observation of legislative sessions. Its ownership by the state and its function as the center of state governance for its citizens clearly categorize it as public property.