What Exactly Does It Mean When People Say, “Possession Is Nine Tenths of the Law.”?

Question by Texas Rocks my socks off!: What exactly does it mean when people say, “Possession is nine tenths of the law.”?

Best answer:

Answer by oliver
A majority of people in jail were put there for noviolent reasons, such as possession of illegal drugs- so it seems like much of law enforcement is drug enforcement

Answer by T
I believe you are referring to the expression “Possession is 9/10ths ownership.” This means that if you take something that is not yours, it is nevertheless essentially yours, because you now have it in your possession. In order to reverse your possession, someone must come and take it from you, which is not always so easy.

 

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One Response to “What Exactly Does It Mean When People Say, “Possession Is Nine Tenths of the Law.”?”

  • WhoKnows?1995:

    It has nothing to do with cops and drugs.

    It means
    ” I have it. It’s mine now. If someone else says it is not, they are going have to prove it the hard way.”

    It is not a valid statement. It is a statement of bravado or a challenge to other claimants.
    It is probably not actually theirs.