Wilderness and Legal Liability: Guidelines for Resource Managers and Programs Leaders

Authors

  • Leo McAvoy
  • Daniel Dustin
  • Janna Rankin
  • Arthur Frakt

Keywords:

Wilderness, legal liability, resource manager, program leader, discretionary function, wilderness policy, wilderness programming.

Abstract

In this article we address the issue of legal liability as it pertains to responsibility for recreationists' injuries on wilderness outings. Specifically, we examine both the degree to which federal resource managers and outdoor program leaders may be held legally responsible for such injuries and the degree to which they can guard themselves against successful prosecution. Tb.e cases reviewed indicate that the legal system is not an obstacle to the evolution of wilderness policy and programming. We then close the article with a discussion of the resulting implications for wilderness resources and programs.

Published

1985-01-04

Issue

Section

Regular Papers