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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Possess
Read a random definition: lex praetoria
A quick definition of Possess:
Possess means to own, hold, or control something. It can be a physical object or property. For example, if you have a toy, you possess it. If you live in a house, you possess it. Possessing something means you have the power to use it and keep others from using it without your permission. In some cases, possessing something can be against the law, like having drugs or stolen property.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Possess means to own, occupy, physically hold, or have under one’s complete control.
For example, in the context of controlled substances, a person possesses a controlled substance when they know what it is, know it's there, and have control over it. In the context of property, to possess a property means to use or occupy it, and the hallmark of control is the ability to admit or exclude others from the property. In criminal statutes, possess normally signifies intentional control of a designated thing accompanied by knowledge of its character.
Overall, possessing something means having complete control over it, whether it's a physical object or a controlled substance.