Which legal principle involves continuous possession of land?

The legal principle that involves continuous possession of land is adverse possession. This doctrine allows a person to claim ownership of land under certain conditions, typically requiring that the possession be open, notorious, exclusive, and continuous for a statutory period. The rationale behind adverse possession is that land should not remain unused or abandoned, and if someone treats a piece of land as their own for a significant period, the law may recognize their claim to that property.

To establish adverse possession, the possessor must demonstrate continuous and uninterrupted use of the property without the consent of the original owner. This concept encourages land development and productive use, allowing those who have invested time and effort into managing property to gain legal ownership under certain circumstances.

Other principles like the Massachusetts rule, good faith acquisition, and right of way relate to different aspects of property law but do not inherently involve the continuous possession aspect that is critical to adverse possession. The Massachusetts rule pertains to the method of acquiring title to land but is not synonymous with the continuous possession requirement. Good faith acquisition generally deals with the honest belief of acquiring property, and the right of way refers to the right to travel across another's property, neither of which directly addresses possession.