For the purposes of §§ 5-2-4 to 5-2-9, inclusive, the bed and channel of any lake or river in this state or bordering on this state to the middle of the main channel thereof, and all islands and sand bars lying therein shall be considered the property of the State of South Dakota unless this state or the United States has granted or conveyed an adverse legal or equitable interest therein. Nothing in said sections shall affect or impair the rights of riparian owners.

Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 5-2-4

  • Equitable: Pertaining to civil suits in "equity" rather than in "law." In English legal history, the courts of "law" could order the payment of damages and could afford no other remedy. See damages. A separate court of "equity" could order someone to do something or to cease to do something. See, e.g., injunction. In American jurisprudence, the federal courts have both legal and equitable power, but the distinction is still an important one. For example, a trial by jury is normally available in "law" cases but not in "equity" cases. Source: U.S. Courts
  • Property: includes property, real and personal. See South Dakota Codified Laws 2-14-2

Source: SL 1921, ch 357, § 6; SDC 1939, § 15.0325.