Property Ownership
When a property owner dies intestate (without a will) with no heirs, the property passes to the state under the doctrine of:
AEminent domain
BPolice power
CEscheat✓ Correct
DAdverse possession
Explanation
Escheat is the legal doctrine by which a person's property passes to the state when they die without a will and without any legal heirs. It ensures that property is never left without an owner.
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Key Terms to Know
Eminent Domain
The power of government to take private property for public use, with the requirement to pay the owner just compensation.
Adverse PossessionA doctrine by which a person can gain legal title to another's land by openly, continuously, and adversely occupying it for a statutory period.
Joint TenancyCo-ownership where two or more people hold equal, undivided interests with the right of survivorship — when one owner dies, their share passes to the surviving owners.
Tenancy in CommonCo-ownership where two or more people hold undivided interests that need not be equal and pass to each owner's heirs — no right of survivorship.
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