What does 'adverse possession' allow a person to do?

Adverse possession is a legal doctrine that allows an individual to claim ownership of land under certain conditions, typically involving continuous and open possession of the land for a statutory period. The key elements of adverse possession include actual possession of the property that is open and notorious, adverse to the interests of the true owner, and continuous for a set period defined by law.

When someone successfully establishes a claim of adverse possession, they effectively acquire legal title to the property, despite the fact that they do not hold the original deed or title. This is significant because it reinforces the principle that land ownership should be protected and that those who occupy land openly and regularly may obtain legal rights to it, especially if the true owner neglects to assert their rights within the statutory timeframe.

In contrast, other options do not accurately represent the legal framework surrounding property ownership. For example, evicting a tenant without legal process refers to unlawful actions taken outside the bounds of landlord-tenant law. Similarly, transferring ownership without the owner's consent or sharing ownership with the government does not relate to the concept of adverse possession, which specifically requires fulfilling certain criteria for possession and use of the land in question. Thus, the correct answer captures the essence of what adverse possession entails.