Legal Definitions - pedis possessio doctrine

The pedis possessio doctrine is a legal principle that states that possession of land begins with physical control of the land. This means that the person who physically occupies the land has the right to claim ownership of it.

For example, if a person sets up a tent on a piece of land and lives there for a certain period of time, they may be able to claim ownership of the land under the pedis possessio doctrine. Similarly, if a person builds a fence around a piece of land and uses it for farming or other purposes, they may be able to claim ownership of the land.

The pedis possessio doctrine is often used in cases where there is a dispute over land ownership. It is important to note that the doctrine does not apply in cases where the land is owned by the government or where there are other legal restrictions on ownership.