Latin: Of public right This term, as applied to a thing or right, means that it is open to or exercisable by all persons. When a thing is common property, so that any one can make use of it who likes, it is said to be “publici juris;” as in the case of light air, and public water. Sweet Or it designates things which are owned by “the public;” that is, the entire state or community, and not by any private person.