Stan finds a nice piece of land up north in Michigan. It’s tucked back in the woods. There is a stream running through it; it’s beautiful! And the nearest house it almost 5 miles away. It’s the perfect place to live a private, undisturbed, and peaceful life away from the stresses of the world. He decides he’s going to build a cabin and live there. He builds his cabin, digs a well, and puts in outdoor plumbing. After 16 years, Bob, the owner of the land, drives up to check on his land. “What are you doing on my land?!” Bob shouts. “What do you mean your land? I’ve been living here for 16 years. This is my land now.” Stan replies. “I bought this land 20 years ago so I could retire up here. I just retired and I’m moving up here. Now get off my land you squatter!” Bob says angrily. Michigan law requires continuous use of the land for 15 years for a claim of adverse possession. Who wins? Does Stan get to enjoy his new land? Or does Bob get to retire on the land he bought and paid for 20 years ago? Is the law of adverse possession fair? Why or why not?

Stan finds a nice piece of land up north in Michigan. It’s tucked back in the woods. There is a stream running through it; it’s beautiful! And the nearest house it almost 5 miles away. It’s the perfect place to live a private, undisturbed, and peaceful life away from the stresses of the world. He decides he’s going to build a cabin and live there. He builds his cabin, digs a well, and puts in outdoor plumbing. After 16 years, Bob, the owner of the land, drives up to check on his land. “What are you doing on my land?!” Bob shouts. “What do you mean your land? I’ve been living here for 16 years. This is my land now.” Stan replies. “I bought this land 20 years ago so I could retire up here. I just retired and I’m moving up here. Now get off my land you squatter!” Bob says angrily. Michigan law requires continuous use of the land for 15 years for a claim of adverse possession. Who wins? Does Stan get to enjoy his new land? Or does Bob get to retire on the land he bought and paid for 20 years ago? Is the law of adverse possession fair? Why or why not?