What term means to bring about a transfer or purported transfer of title to or other nonpossessionary interest in property, or to acquire or exercise control over property other than real property?

• A. Appropriate
• B. Possess
• C. Occupy
• D. Encumber

Answer: (A)

Appropriation is the act of taking property for one’s own use or bringing about a transfer of ownership or other nonpossessionary interest in property, or gaining or exercising control over property that isn’t real property. This term covers more than merely holding something; it includes causing someone to transfer title to personal property or taking steps to control it for oneself. For example, forging a document to transfer ownership of personal property or taking funds with the intent to deprive the owner falls under appropriation. In contrast, possession is simply having physical control, occupying relates to real property, and encumbering is placing a lien or burden on property—none of those involve the act of transferring ownership or exerting control over nonreal property in the same way.