2007-08-01 13:51:44 · 2 answers · asked by DeAnna H 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
It is a legal doctrine that grew out of old English property law.
Almost all legal actions must be brought within a certain time period -- called the statute of limitations. So, if something drags on too long, you cannot bring a lawsuit to stop it.
In property law, there was a doctrine that encouraged the beneficial use of property -- so that land did not remain dormant and unused.
These two doctrines (statute of limitations and beneficial use of property) intersect in the adverse possession doctrine.
Basically, if someone uses property, openly and in such a manner that the property owner should be aware of such usage, and the property owner does nothing to stop the person (does not file suit) -- then after a certain period (usually 10~20 years), it's too late -- the person occupying the property gets to keep it.
2007-08-01 13:58:42 · answer #1 · answered by coragryph 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Certainly not a lawyer but I think it is a prosess of getting deed for property by occupying it for a certain amount of time, without permission of owner. Maybe a lawyer will answer your question better
2007-08-01 20:59:47 · answer #2 · answered by rallman@sbcglobal.net 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋