A legal doctrine allowing someone to gain ownership of land by occupying it openly, continuously, and without the owner's permission for a period specified by state law (typically 5-20 years). The possession must be hostile, actual, open, notorious, and exclusive.
From Latin 'adversus' (against, opposite) and 'possessio' (occupation, holding). This ancient legal concept developed from Roman law and medieval English common law to resolve boundary disputes and encourage productive land use.
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