A public easement is an easement that gives all people (the public) the right to use and enjoy a tract of property such as a street, sidewalk, park, or beach.
In Alabama, a public easement is a type of right-of-way that allows the general public to use certain property, typically for transportation or recreational purposes. This can include streets, sidewalks, parks, or beaches. Public easements are often established through dedication, where a property owner grants the easement to the public, or through prescription, where the public has used the property for a certain period without the owner's interference. The establishment and regulation of public easements in Alabama are governed by state statutes and case law. Local governments, such as cities and counties, also have the authority to regulate the use of public easements within their jurisdictions. It's important to note that while the public has the right to use these easements, the underlying property may still be privately owned, and the property owner retains certain rights subject to the easement.