Key Terms Land rights

Question 1

Surface rights

Answer 1

The right to access the surface area of a parcel or real property

Question 2

Subsurface rights aka mineral rights

Answer 2

Ownership to all that is found beneath surface of the tract of land owned, extending downward to the center of the earth

Question 3

Air space

Answer 3

Area above ground that is owned along with a property. Could include space above a piece of land, or the spaces owned inside a condominium unit

Question 4

Air rights

Answer 4

The right to use the air space above the surface of land

Question 5

Littoral Rights

Answer 5

Rights that govern lakefront or ocean front property and usually allow the property owner to use the water bordering their property

Question 6

Water rights

Answer 6

The right of a property owner on a waterfront to access and use that water

Question 7

Riparian rights

Answer 7

Rights that govern the use of flowing water, such as rivers/streams that pads through or border a property

Question 8

Doctrine of prior appropriation

Answer 8

The legal doctrine which grants states the power to control and regulate all water resources within their borders