Concepts that apply broadly; check your own jurisdiction.
A lease transfers the right to possess property for a time in exchange for rent. This guide explains the basics of landlord and tenant law, including the implied warranty of habitability recognized in Javins.
A person can gain title to land by possessing it openly for long enough, and can gain a right to use someone else’s land through an easement. This guide explains adverse possession and easements with state examples.
Land is transferred by deed, and recording the deed protects the buyer against later claims. This guide explains the kinds of deeds, the requirements for a valid deed and the three types of recording acts.
Ownership of land comes in different “estates” that differ by how long they last and what the owner may do. This guide explains the main estates in land and the ways two or more people can own property together.
Real property is land and what is attached to it. Everything movable or intangible is personal property. This guide explains real and personal property and why the difference matters.
The U.S. Supreme Court hears most cases by choosing to grant a petition for a writ of certiorari. This guide explains how Supreme Court review works, what the Court looks for and the filing deadline.
A judgment entered with a legal error is usually voidable — it stands unless reversed on appeal. A void judgment is different. This guide explains the difference between void and voidable judgments and how Rule 60(b)(4) works.
Winning a money judgment does not mean the money arrives on its own. This guide explains how a federal money judgment is enforced — writs of execution, judgment liens, interest and registration in other districts.
On appeal, the court does not simply retry the case. It reviews each ruling under a standard of review that depends on the kind of question. This guide explains the three main standards of review.
An appeal starts with a short notice of appeal, and missing the deadline usually ends the right to appeal. This guide explains federal notice of appeal deadlines, extensions and what happens next.
Looking for a state's court rules instead? See procedures for all 50 states and D.C.