Colorado Doctrine

The Colorado Doctrine is a legal principle that states individuals who have lawfully settled and improved land in Colorado acquire certain rights, even if the land is later claimed by the government for public use. It emphasizes that such settlers, known as "preemptors," have a right to purchase their land before it is taken for public projects, protecting their investment made through honest settlement and improvements. Essentially, it balances private land claims with the government's authority, ensuring settlers aren't unfairly displaced if they have legitimately developed their property first.