Which of the following easements defines the use of land for the benefit of the general public?

The correct answer is identified as the right-of-way. A right-of-way is specifically designed to allow the public access across a property, facilitating travel or transportation. It is commonly used for roads, sidewalks, or pathways that benefit the community at large. The nature of a right-of-way typically emphasizes public interest, as it connects different properties and enhances mobility for individuals, making it crucial for urban planning and infrastructure development.

In contrast, while an access easement typically pertains to allowing specific parties access to a property, it does not inherently serve the general public. A utility easement grants utility companies the right to install and maintain infrastructure such as power lines or water pipes, benefiting the public indirectly, but it does not define public use directly. A joint use easement involves multiple parties sharing the use of a property, often for private interests, lacking the broad public benefit characteristic of a right-of-way. Therefore, the right-of-way stands out as the option that defines land use explicitly for the benefit of the general public.