Which of the following describes adverse possession?

Adverse possession refers to a legal doctrine that allows a person to claim ownership of land under certain conditions, specifically through hostile and continuous use without the permission of the actual owner. For adverse possession to be established, the individual must openly use the property in a manner that is inconsistent with the rights of the true owner. This means that the possession must be actual, visible, exclusive, continuous, and hostile.

This process is grounded in the idea that if the true owner does not take action to reclaim their property after a certain period, the possessor can be granted legal title. Therefore, gaining ownership through this manner is key to understanding adverse possession.

The other options do not align with the principles of adverse possession. For instance, acquiring property through a formal deed involves a legal transfer from one party to another with official documentation, which is a conventional method of property acquisition. Obtaining land through a will pertains to inheritance and transfer of ownership upon someone's death, which also contrasts with the concept of adverse possession. Lastly, securing a title via government auction is a legitimate process of purchasing property that is typically put up for sale by a government agency and does not involve the adverse use of someone else's property.