Jr. Urban Affairs and Planning, Virginia Tech Gerald A. Harrison Agricultural Economics Purdue University Property rights are a concern for many landowners and are on legislators' agendas even more now than in the past. In particular, property rights in land prompt much thought and debate in today's political climate. Many property rights issues arise in the context of agriculture. This publication addresses frequently asked questions about property rights in land in order to dispel myths and misunderstandings, and generate thoughtful discussion.
Ownership of land extends from the sky to the lowest depths of the earth.
The law holds property ownership in very high regard. Although landowners generally may do what they please with their land, there are limits on absolute ownership. Landowners are prohibited from using their property in a fashion that may injure their neighbors. Property rights in land are often described by being compared to a bundle of sticks. Each stick represents a right.