The Mount Laurel Doctrine is a legal principle established by the New Jersey Supreme Court in the 1970s. It mandates that municipalities must provide their fair share of affordable housing to meet the needs of low- and moderate-income residents. This doctrine arose from the case of Mount Laurel Township v. Louis A. Donato, which highlighted the exclusionary zoning practices that limited affordable housing options. As a result of the Mount Laurel Doctrine, towns in New Jersey are required to create housing plans that include affordable units. This has led to various legal battles and legislative efforts aimed at ensuring equitable access to housing across the state, promoting social justice and community diversity.