Final answer:
Thomas is seeking an easement to legally use a portion of his neighbor's property where his driveway encroaches, illustrating the importance of property rights and clearly defined legal responsibilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thomas is dealing with an issue where his driveway encroaches on his neighbor’s property by a few inches. In legal terms, Thomas is seeking an easement, which is a right to use the property of another for particular purposes.
Since Thomas’ driveway is on his neighbor's property, he is entering discussions to formally obtain legal access and accommodation for his driveway. This intersection of property rights necessitates a well-defined legal agreement to ensure that rights are properly managed and compensation is agreed upon if necessary.
It is a civil matter that embodies the discussion about property rights and the importance of clearly defined legal responsibility as described by economist Ronald Coase.