Lat 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.