What is the legal definition of an easement?

The correct answer identifies an easement as a nonpossessory right to use another person's property. This definition captures the essential nature of an easement, which allows one party to utilize a portion of another party's land for a specific purpose without transferring ownership or possession of that land.

Easements can serve various functions, such as allowing access to land for utilities, driveways, or pathways, but they do not confer ownership rights. This means that while the holder of an easement has the legal right to use the property in a certain way, they do not have control over the property itself, which remains with the owner.

Understanding the distinction between possessory and nonpossessory rights is crucial in the context of property law. Possessory rights imply a level of control or possession of the property, while nonpossessory rights entail permission to use the property under certain conditions.