Court's Unexpected Order: Keep Off The Beach!

An Michigan appellate court rules in favor of private property rights over public access to lake shorelines.

1 minute read

July 6, 2004, 1:00 PM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


A legal case that began as a confrontation between neighbors along the Lake Huron shoreline four years ago has now worked its way to the doorstep of the Michigan Supreme Court. Justices are being asked to decide whether the public has the right to stroll on the thousands of miles of Great Lakes shoreline that is in front of private homes. The case has gained legal and political prominence because of a group of increasingly influential "property rights" activists based in Bay City, and a conservative three-judge state Appeals Court panel that was apparently sympathetic to their cause.

Thanks to Keith Schneder

Monday, July 5, 2004 in Michigan Land Use Institute

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