adverse possesion?

Answer 1

Adverse possession is a concept in the property law under which if someone (call them AP) occupies property belonging to an Owner (O) for a period of time, and that occupation is open, notorious and continuous for a sufficient period of time, title to the land may be claimed from O by AP without any payment. O actually gets evicted from the land by AP, and AP gets clear title.

The period of time (usually between ten and twenty years) varies by state.

The concept is controversial by today's standards, but dates back to the earliest days of the nation. The theory behind it is that if land isn't being used by an owner for a very long period of time it should be given to someone who has actually put it to use.

Answer 2

Adverse possession is the occupation of a property belonging to another that could result to ownership by prescription.