Absolute title

One of the classes of title available in relation to registered land.

Note

Absolute title is the best class of title that can be granted: it indicates that there is nothing (apart from entries in the register of title and any overriding interests) that affects the registered proprietor’s ability to deal with the land.

Abstract (of title)

A summary (prepared and certified by a lawyer) of the contents of the title deeds relating to a particular property.

Acquiring authority

See Compulsory purchase.

Act of Parliament

Law approved by both Houses of Parliament (in the form of a written Bill) that has received Royal Assent. Sometimes referred to as primary legislation.

See also Secondary legislation.

Adoption

The legal mechanism by which a highway in private ownership becomes a highway maintainable at the public expense.

Note

One of the consequences of adoption is that the local highways authority acquires title to the surface of the highway and sufficient subsoil beneath it to enable the authority to repair and maintain the highway.

If