Legal Term: DEDICATION

Definition: Solemn appropriation. It may be expressed or implied. 2. An express dedication of property to public use is made by a direct appropriation of it to such use, and it will be enforced. 2 Peters, R. 566, 6 Hill, N. Y. Rep. 407. 3. But a dedication of property to public or pious uses may be implied from the acts of the owner. A permission to the public for the space of eight or even six years, to use a street without bar or impediment, is evidence from which a dedication to the public may be inferred. 2 Bouv. Inst. n. 1631, 11 East, R. 376, 12 Wheat. R. 585, 10 Pet. 662, 2 Watts, 23, 1 Whart. 469, 3 Verm, 279, 6 Verm. 365, 7 Ham. part 2, 135, 12 Wend. 172, 11 Ala. R. 63, 81, 1 Spencer, 86, 8 Miss. R. 448 5 Watts & S. 141, Wright, 150, 6 Hill, 407 24 Pick. 71, 6 Pet. 431, 498 9 Port.,527, 3 Bing. 447, sed vide 5 Taunt. R . 125. Vide Street, and the following authorities: 3 Kent, Com. 450, 5 Taunt. 125 5 Barn. & Ald. 454: 4 Barn. & Ald. 447, Math. Pres. 833. As to what shall amount to a dedication of an invention to public use, see 1 Gallis. 482, 1 Paines C. C. R. 345, 2. Pet. R. 1, 7 Pet. R. 292, 4 Mason, R. 1018. See Destination.

Return to the Legalnut.com Law Dictionary