Legal Definitions - right in rem

Definition: A right in rem is a legal term that refers to a right that a person has over a specific property or thing. It is a right that is enforceable against anyone who interferes with that property or thing, regardless of who the owner is.

Example: If you own a house, you have a right in rem over that property. This means that you have the right to use, enjoy, and dispose of the property as you see fit, and anyone who interferes with that right can be held legally responsible. For example, if your neighbor builds a fence that encroaches on your property, you can take legal action to enforce your right in rem and have the fence removed.

Another example of a right in rem is a mortgage. If you take out a mortgage to buy a house, the lender has a right in rem over the property until the mortgage is paid off. This means that if you default on your mortgage payments, the lender can foreclose on the property and sell it to recover their money.