prior appropriation doctrine

prior-appropriation doctrine. The rule that, among the persons whose properties border on a waterway, the earliest users of the water have the right to take all they can use before anyone else has a right to it. Cf. RIPARIAN-RIGHTS DOCTRINE . [Cases: Waters and Water Courses 140. C.J.S. Waters §§ 376, 380, 391–393.]

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词条贡献者

法律翻译Frank，毕业于英国一流的高级翻译学院，专注翻译各类与娱乐、体育及媒体有关的法律文件。