Sayings

Possession is nine points of the law

This page is about the saying "Possession is nine points of the law"

Possible meaning:
This saying suggests that the person who physically has ownership of something is in a stronger legal position than someone who claims to be the owner.

Note:
nine points = nine tenths or 90% | In fact, this idea has no real basis in Law.

Quick Quiz

If "possession is nine points of the law", which of the following people might be considered to be in the strongest position legally? Someone who

a. has $1000 in cash in his safe at home

b. claims to be the owner of the $1000 but doesn't have the cash

c. can prove he used to have the same $1000 in cash at home
a) has $1000 in cash in his safe at home b) claims to be the owner of the $1000 but doesn't have the cash c) can prove he used to have the same $1000 in cash at home

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Contributor: Josef Essberger