BATTURE CASES Meaning and
Definition
-
Batture cases refer to legal disputes or litigation that arise concerning the ownership, use, or control of land located along the banks of a waterway. Specifically, this term is primarily used in the context of American law, specifically in states where civil law operates alongside common law traditions, such as Louisiana.
The term "batture" originates from the French word "batture," which refers to a narrow strip of land located between the high and low watermarks of a river or other body of water. These areas are typically subject to frequent flooding and are often covered by sediment or sandbars.
In the legal sense, batture cases involve conflicts over who has the right to possess, use, or exploit these areas, or disputes over whether the batture can be considered publicly owned or privately owned. These cases can be quite complex, involving considerations of property law, riparian rights, navigation, and environmental regulations.
Batture cases may also involve disputes over access to these areas for activities such as fishing, hunting, or recreational purposes. However, more commonly, batture cases focus on commercial or industrial uses of the land along the waterway, such as the construction of docks, piers, or other structures.
Overall, batture cases represent a specialized area of legal cases that revolve around the legal intricacies of land ownership and control along a waterway, particularly in Louisiana and other states with similar legal systems.
Etymology of BATTURE CASES
The term "Batture Cases" is derived from the word "batture" and the legal context of court cases.
The word "batture" originates from French, specifically from the Old French word "bature" meaning "shore" or "bank". It refers to the narrow strip of land situated between a river or other body of water and its natural high-water mark. This landform can often be found along the banks of rivers, especially during periods of low water levels.
In the United States, particularly in the state of Louisiana, "batture" specifically refers to the land between the ordinary low-water mark and the high-water mark of the Mississippi River. Due to the fluctuating water levels and the deposition of sediments, this area can experience changes in its physical characteristics, making it a subject of dispute.
