Question:
Animus possidendi means:
Animus possidendi means:
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In law, possession usually has two elements: physical control (corpus) and mental intent (animus possidendi). Both must be present for legal possession.
Updated On: Aug 14, 2025
- Intention to possess
- Intent to contract
- Intention to return
- Intention to harm
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
The term “Animus possidendi” is a Latin legal phrase made of two words: “animus” meaning “mind”, “intention”, or “will” and “possidendi” derived from “possidere” meaning “to possess”.
Therefore, its literal translation is “the intention to possess”.
In property law, this refers to the mental element required for possession — it is not enough to physically hold or control an object; one must also have the intention to own or exercise dominion over it.
For example, if someone holds property temporarily without the intent to keep it (such as a courier delivering a package), they do not have “animus possidendi”.
Option (b) “Intent to contract” is related to agreement formation, not possession.
Option (c) “Intention to return” indicates temporary custody, which contradicts possession rights.
Option (d) “Intention to harm” relates to criminal law, not property law.
Thus, the correct meaning is “Intention to possess”.
Therefore, its literal translation is “the intention to possess”.
In property law, this refers to the mental element required for possession — it is not enough to physically hold or control an object; one must also have the intention to own or exercise dominion over it.
For example, if someone holds property temporarily without the intent to keep it (such as a courier delivering a package), they do not have “animus possidendi”.
Option (b) “Intent to contract” is related to agreement formation, not possession.
Option (c) “Intention to return” indicates temporary custody, which contradicts possession rights.
Option (d) “Intention to harm” relates to criminal law, not property law.
Thus, the correct meaning is “Intention to possess”.
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