Question

12. There are many public policy reasons for the adverse possession doctrine. Select three.

a. Resolving boundary disputes

b. Resolving title concerns

c. Assuring property is put to productive use

d. Avoiding unnecessary paperwork

e. Moving to electronic record keeping

f. Assisting the poor in obtaining property

Answer 1

a) Adverse Possession is the main doctrine applied while resolving the disputes in regard to the boundary. Its legal elements or requirements includes the

-- actual land possession; which is

-- notorious and open;

-- exclusive; and

-- hostile; held

-- continuously for the statutory period

b) The doctrine of adverse possession is helpful for a landowner to retain a secure title to his land. Otherwise there are high chances that long-lost heirs of any former owner, lien or possessor holder of past centuries may come forward with a legal property claim. The doctrines have been used to prevent this and solve title problems.

c) Adverse possession provides an opportunity for someone else to put the land to effective use and thus allows claiming legal title to it after a defined time frame. It helps to enhance economic productivity by ensuring that valuable land was used efficiently and not left unused.