In this article, we are going to explain the types of possession. In law, it is difficult to define the concept of possession because there is no precise definition of possession. Possession means physical control over an object. It is a factual as well as a legal concept. But, we can say that it is the physical custody, control, or occupancy of anything with a definite intention of ownership.
Possession means physical control over an object.
Types of Possession
Kinds of possession of possessions according to the law are as follows:
- Corporeal possession.
- Incorporeal Possession.
- Mediate possession.
- Immediate possession.
- Constructive possession.
- Adverse possession.
- De facto possession.
- De jure possession.
Explanation of Types of Possession
Types of possession detail are given below with examples.
Corporeal possession
Possession of a material or tangible object is called corporeal possession; thus, it is the continuing exercise of a claim on the use of a material or tangible object. For example, house, car, cycle, pen, etc.
Incorporeal Possession
Incorporeal possession is the possession of intangible objects or non-material objects. Thus, it is a continuing exercise of a claim on the use of a non-material or intangible object. For example, trademark, goodwill, patent, copyright, etc.
Mediate possession, or indirect possession
Possession of things through a mediator (middleman) like an agent, friend, or servant is called mediate possession. It is also called indirect possession. If a house owner let his house to a tenant. The tenant is bound to hand over the house to the owner of the house whenever he decides. So the owner of the house has the mediate possession of the house through the tenant.
Immediate Possession/direct possession
When a possessor himself possesses the thing, we call it immediate possession. For example, when anybody buys a pen from a shop and keeps it for himself.The pen is in the immediate possession of himself.
Constructive Possession
When anybody gives his possession to anybody for any purpose, it is called constructive possession. For example, when I give the key to my car to the driver.Here my driver was the constructive possessor of my car until he delivered me the key.
Adverse Possession
Adverse possession means the possession of some property or object, without legal title, for a specific time period, sufficient to become an acknowledged legal owner. For example, continuous use of private land or a driveway or an agricultural field of an unused piece of land.
De Facto Possession
De facto possession means the possession that exists in reality even if it is not legally recognized. For example, a common-law spouse can be considered as a de facto wife or de facto husband, though they are not lawfully married, yet they live like a married couple.
De Jure Possession (types of possession)
De jure possessions are legally recognized possessions, whether they exist in reality or not. It is also known as juridical possession, meaning possession in the eyes of the law. For example, an owner of the house could allow a man to live in a house but without intending to abandon it for good. It is a case of de jure possession.
Difference between Mediate and Direct Possession
Immediate possession is also called direct possession. In this possession, an object is possessed through the interference of some agency or another person. Example: If you tell a relative to purchase a cell for you from Pakistan and he purchases it and keeps it with him. This possession is called mediate possession until he delivers it to you.
Immediate possession is also called direct possession when the object is possessed by him.
Example: If you purchase a chair from a shop and keep it with you, it is immediate possession.