Chapter 1: Introduction to Land Law
* Definition of Land Law: Rules governing the ownership, possession, use, and transfer of land and other real property.
* Real Example: A contract to purchase a house that outlines the rights and obligations of the buyer and seller regarding the property's ownership, use, and transfer.
Chapter 2: Interests in Land
* Fee Simple: Highest form of ownership, giving the owner exclusive possession and control for an indefinite period.
* Life Estate: Ownership for the life of the owner, after which it reverts to the remainderman.
* Leasehold: Right to exclusive possession of land for a fixed period, typically under a lease agreement.
* Real Example: A person owning a house in fee simple has the right to sell or lease the property without limitation.
Chapter 3: Estates in Land
* Present and Future Estates: Present estates confer immediate possession, while future estates vest at a later time.
* Freehold and Non-Freehold Estates: Freeholds are estates of indefinite duration, while non-freeholds are limited in time.
* Real Example: A grantor conveys a house to a grantee "for life, remainder to A." The grantee has a life estate, while A has a future remainder interest in fee simple.
Chapter 4: Transfer of Interests in Land
* Methods of Transfer: Deed, contract for sale, gift, inheritance.
* Statute of Frauds: Most transfers of land must be in writing to be enforceable.
* Real Example: A seller and buyer sign a contract for the sale of a house, which includes the purchase price, closing date, and other terms of the transfer.
Chapter 5: Easements and Liens
* Easement: Right to use, cross, or access another's land for a specific purpose.
* Lien: Charge against property that gives the creditor a right to payment.
* Real Example: A homeowner grants an easement to a neighbor to access a shared driveway.
Chapter 6: Restrictive Covenants
* Definition: Private agreements that limit the use of land in a certain way.
* Enforcement: Can be enforced by other owners in the area who have a benefit from the restriction.
* Real Example: A subdivision has a restrictive covenant prohibiting the construction of billboards.
Chapter 7: Land Use Planning and Zoning
* Zoning: Division of land into districts with specific allowed uses.
* Land Use Planning: Process of guiding future land use and development.
* Real Example: A city council adopts a zoning ordinance that designates certain areas as residential, commercial, or industrial.
Chapter 8: Adverse Possession
* Definition: Acquiring ownership of land by openly and exclusively possessing it for a specified period without the owner's consent.
* Statute of Limitations: Time period within which an adverse possessor must claim title to the land.
* Real Example: A person builds a structure on unused land and maintains it for the statutory period, eventually acquiring title through adverse possession.
Chapter 9: Land Title and Registration
* Title: Legal right to ownership of land.
* Torrens System: System of land title registration that provides a public record of ownership.
* Real Example: A homeowner checks the Torrens register to verify the title and ownership history of a property before purchasing it.
