EQUAL FOOTING DOCTRINE (U.S. CONSTITUTION)

A provision of the U.S. Constitution which provides to each state the title to tidelands and the beds of Navigable lakes and streams within its borders. In conjunction with the Public Trust Doctrine, which is generally recognized in some form by most states, these provisions embody the principle that the state holds title to such properties within the state in trust for the beneficial use of all its citizens and that public rights of access to and for the use of tidelands and navigable waters are inalienable. Traditional public trust rights include navigation, commerce, and fishing, and in some cases have been extended to include protection of fish and wildlife, preserving trust lands in their natural condition for scientific study and scenic enjoyment, and related open-space uses.