Legal Definitions - property ratione privilegii

Definition: Property ratione privilegii (ray-shee-oh-nee priv-i-lee-jee-I) is a common-law right that was granted by a royal franchise to take wild animals on another person's land. This principle made its way into American law.

For example, in the case of Hanson v. Fergus Falls Nat'l Bank, 65 N.W.2d 857, 862 (Minn. 1954), the court recognized the principle of property ratione privilegii. The court held that the owner of a hunting franchise had the right to take wild animals on another person's land, and the game became the absolute property of the owner of the franchise.

Another example of property ratione privilegii is the right of a landowner to hunt on their own land. This right is based on the principle that the landowner has exclusive possession and control over their property, including the wild animals that live on it.

Overall, property ratione privilegii is a legal principle that allows certain individuals to take wild animals on another person's land, and the game becomes their property. This principle has its roots in English common law and has been adopted in American law.