Summary and wrap-up of Property Law: Foundations of Property Law, Ownership, Use, and Transfer of Property, and Advanced Property Law Concepts

Property Law What is Property? Property is a legally protected interest in something tangible or intangible. It can be classified into real property (land and attachments) and personal property (movable items and intangible rights). The Bundle of Rights Theory views property rights as a collection of individual rights, including possessing, using, excluding others from, and transferring ownership. History of Property Law Property law originated from English common law and developed through feudalism, market economies, and American colonial history. The feudal system transitioned into a system of private ownership. In American history, property law played a role in nation-building (Homestead Act of 1862) but was also used to dispossess Native Americans and justify slavery. Ways to Acquire Property First Possession, Adverse Possession, Discovery, Capture, Creation, Gift Key Doctrines and Concepts Estates and Future Interests, Rule Against Perpetuities, Co-Ownership Key Concepts in Property Ownership and Possession, Legal and Equitable Ownership Land Use and Zoning Regulations and Laws, Zoning Controversies Government's Power Over Property Eminent Domain, Kelo v. City of New London (2005) Private Land Use Controls Easements, Covenants, Equitable Servitudes, Nuisance Law Transfer of Property Voluntary Transfers, Involuntary Transfers, Contracts for Sale and Escrow, Title Searches and Insurance Mortgages and Financing Mortgage, Types, Foreclosure, Key Considerations Landlord-Tenant Law Types of Tenancies, Landlord Obligations, Tenant Obligations, Disputes and Protections Intellectual Property as Property Intellectual Property (IP), Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks, Trade Secrets, Ownership and Licensing, Emerging Issues Environmental and Natural Resource Law Regulatory Frameworks, Natural Resource Management, Policy Debates Policy Considerations and Reforms Access to Affordable Housing, Equity in Property Ownership, Technological Innovations, Proposed Reforms