This text focuses on the history of the development of law in relation to the public lands , the colonial land systems, the origin of the public domain, and the conflicting interests generating change in land policy from colonial times to the 20th century. As a special feature it discusses the legal aspects of mineral resources exploitation.

Considers S. 2225 and companion H.R. 12121, to establish the Public Land Law Review Commission to study existing laws and procedures relating to the administration of the U.S. public land and to increase the authorized appropriations.

The Settlement and Administration of American Public Lands, 1789-1837