Final answer:
When a person dies intestate without heirs, the disposition of their real property is determined by the state's intestacy laws, which typically follow a hierarchical order of distribution.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a person dies intestate without heirs, the principle of law applying to disposition of the person's real property is determined by the state's intestacy laws. Intestacy laws vary from state to state, but generally follow a hierarchical order of distribution. In the absence of heirs, the property may be escheated to the state.
For example, in California, if a person dies without leaving a will and has no surviving spouse, children or parents, their property may be distributed to their siblings. If there are no siblings, the property may go to nieces and nephews, and if there are no nieces and nephews, it may go to more distant relatives, or in some cases, escheat to the state.
In summary, when a person dies intestate without heirs, the disposition of their real property is determined by the state's intestacy laws, which typically follow a hierarchical order of distribution.