Resolving the Conflict Between Prior Ownership and Present Possession in Jurisprudence, Law, and Judicial Practice

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD Graduate in Private Law, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Law, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.

3 Bachelor of Law, Islamic Azad University, Sirjan, Iran.

Abstract

Possession, historically associated with labor and control, has long been regarded as an important basis for acquiring ownership. Many legal systems also treat possession as ownership as a presumption in favor of the possessor. Although the rule of possession generally privileges the current possessor over a former possessor, the more difficult question addressed here is whether prior ownership or present possession should prevail when they conflict. Some scholars prioritize prior ownership, while others give precedence to current possession because the evidentiary presumption arising from possession overrides the continuing presumption of former ownership. Although the latter view is more consistent with the internal logic of the Civil Code, its application, particularly to immovable property, creates practical difficulties. This study argues that present possession should ordinarily prevail over former ownership, except where transfer of the property legally depends on a constitutive formality. The relevant exception concerns formalities necessary for the formation of the transfer, not merely requirements affecting opposability or proof. This approach brings the law of evidence closer to its fiqhi foundations and to ordinary social understanding.

Keywords

References

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Studies of Islamic Jurisprudence and Basis of Law
Volume 20, Issue 53 - Serial Number 53
September 2026
Pages 29-52

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