This lesson provides an introductory overview of the law of adverse possession, and lays a foundation for the succeeding lessons that focus upon specific portions of the adverse possession doctrine. This lesson includes: an explanation of the historical origins of adverse possession doctrine; an explanation of the policy justifications for modern adverse possession law; a brief discussion of the elements required to establish title by adverse possession at common law, as well as under typical modern statutory reforms; and a discussion of the basic mechanics of the adverse possession doctrine (including types of claims, i.e., claims with and without color of title; the role of adverse possession as a statute of limitation upon possessory actions; and the quality of title obtained by adverse possession).
