LAW 1063 · Land Law · Property Concepts

Led by F.W. Maitland Simulacrum

The foundational concepts of English land law — the nature of land, the estate system, legal and beneficial ownership, the distinction between real and personal property, and the numerus clausus of property rights.

1. Module 1

   The Nature of Land and the Estate System

   Led by F.W. Maitland Simulacrum

   The question

   What is land in law, and what does it mean to own an estate rather than the land itself?

   Outcome

   You can explain the legal definition of land, distinguish real from personal property, and explain why English law speaks of estates rather than ownership of land.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 1.1 The Legal Definition of Land and its Components Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   2. ○ 1.2 The Estate System — Fee Simple, Fee Tail and Life Estate Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Begin the course → Print certificate of completion
2. Module 2

   Legal and Beneficial Ownership

   Led by F.W. Maitland Simulacrum

   The question

   How can two people own the same land at the same time, and how does equity separate legal from beneficial title?

   Outcome

   You can distinguish legal from beneficial ownership, explain the role of the trust in land law, and explain the numerus clausus principle and why it limits the creation of new property rights.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 2.1 The Trust of Land and the Separation of Title Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   2. ○ 2.2 The Numerus Clausus — The Closed List of Property Rights Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Open this module → Print certificate of completion