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Simple English definitions for legal terms
natural-accumulation doctrine
Read a random definition: land-use regulation
A quick definition of natural-accumulation doctrine:
The natural-accumulation doctrine is a rule that says if there is ice or snow on public property, like a road, the government or landowner doesn't have to remove it unless they did something to make it worse. For example, if they built the road in a way that makes the ice or snow more dangerous to drivers, then they would have to remove it. Otherwise, they don't have to.
A more thorough explanation:
The natural-accumulation doctrine is a rule that states that a government or landowner is not obligated to remove naturally occurring ice or snow from public property, such as a highway, unless the entity has taken some affirmative action that has increased the danger to the public.
For example, if a city builds a highway that causes snow to accumulate in a way that creates a hazard for drivers, the city may be responsible for removing the snow. However, if the snow is simply a result of natural weather patterns, the city is not required to remove it.
This doctrine is based on the idea that it is unreasonable to expect a government or landowner to constantly monitor and remove natural hazards that occur on their property. It also recognizes that some hazards are simply a part of living in certain climates and that individuals must take responsibility for their own safety when traveling in these areas.