The "first possession" theory of property holds that ownership of something is justified simply by someone seizing it before someone else does.
Pedis possessio is a legal phrase in common law used to describe walking on a property to establish ownership; this concept involves the establishment of first possession of land.
Pedis possessio has been described as the actual possession of land within bounds set forth by the need of a mine claimant and operator to improve and work a claim for its mineral value.
Violation of set boundaries are avoided and violence prevented by the establishment of title using the concept of pedis possessio.
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