Legal Definitions - possessio pedis

Definition: Possessio pedis is a Latin term that refers to a foothold or actual possession of real property, implying either actual occupancy or enclosure or use. It is a type of possession that indicates the de facto control of a thing that the holder intends to control.

Example: A person who has built a fence around a piece of land and is using it for farming has possessio pedis over that land. They have a foothold on the property and are using it for their own purposes, indicating their intent to control it.

This example illustrates how possessio pedis is a type of possession that involves actual occupancy or use of a property, indicating the holder's intent to control it. It is an important concept in property law, as it can determine who has the right to use and control a piece of land or other property.