Final answer:
In adverse possession, the possessor must prove hostile, actual, open and notorious, exclusive, and continuous possession for a set statutory period to claim legal ownership of the property.
Step-by-step explanation:
Under the rules of adverse possession, a possessor must show that their possession is hostile, actual, open and notorious, exclusive, and continuous for a statutory period. 'Hostile' means that the possession was without permission of the owner. 'Actual' possession requires physical presence on and use of the property. 'Open and notorious' means the possession was obvious to anyone, including the legal owner. 'Exclusive' implies that the possessor is not sharing possession with the owner or the public. 'Continuous' refers to the requirement that the possession must not be interrupted during the statutory period. Each of these elements must be proven by the person claiming adverse possession in order to take ownership of the property legally.