What does the term "easement" refer to in property law?

In property law, "easement" specifically refers to a legal right that allows one party to use another person's land for a particular purpose. This can include scenarios such as the right to walk across someone's property, the right to install and maintain utility lines, or access to a body of water. The essential aspect of an easement is that it grants a use right without transferring ownership of the land itself, which sets it apart from the rights associated with possession or ownership.

This definition captures the key characteristics of easements, distinguishing them from other property rights and legal terms, such as possessory rights, methods of transferring ownership, or conditions of property sales. The distinct nature of an easement lies in its allowance for specific uses of land while respecting the underlying ownership, making it a fundamental concept in property law and land use planning.