Property Ownership
In New Mexico, which doctrine holds that the owner of land bordering a body of water owns to the water's edge and may have riparian rights?
APrior appropriation doctrine (used in New Mexico)
BRiparian rights doctrine (used in wetter states but not New Mexico—NM uses prior appropriation)✓ Correct
CAdverse possession doctrine
DBundle of rights doctrine
Explanation
New Mexico follows the prior appropriation (not riparian) water rights system. While riparian rights are used in eastern states where water is abundant, New Mexico's arid climate led to adoption of the more controlled prior appropriation system.
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