What is "acquisitive prescription"?

Acquisitive prescription refers to the legal principle through which a person can gain ownership of a property through continuous and uninterrupted possession over a certain period, as established by law. This concept is important in property law, particularly in Louisiana, which follows civil law traditions. The key elements of acquisitive prescription include the requirement of possession to be peaceful, public, and continuous for a specific time frame, which varies depending on the circumstances.

This mechanism allows individuals to claim ownership of land or property that they have possessed, even if they do not hold the title to it, effectively transferring rights from the previous owner to the possessor if all legal conditions are met. This principle helps to maintain stability in property ownership and encourages the productive use of land.

Options that describe contracts, dissolving contracts, or lease agreements do not pertain to this legal concept, which specifically deals with acquiring ownership rights through the passage of time and established possession, affirming that option C is indeed the correct interpretation of acquisitive prescription.