What does the term "Prescription" refer to in property law?

The term "Prescription" in property law specifically refers to the establishment of ownership or a right to use land through the continuous and unauthorized use of that land over a certain period of time. This means that a person, who does not have formal permission from the owner, may legally gain rights to use or even own a portion of the property if they have used it openly, continuously, and without the owner's consent for a legally specified duration. This principle is closely tied to the concept of adverse possession, which is often invoked when discussing rights gained through long-term usage. Thus, the correct response emphasizes the unauthorized aspect of the use that leads to the establishment of ownership rights.

The other options relate to different concepts in property law. For instance, acquiring property through purchase is a straightforward transaction that does not involve any unauthorized use. Legal transfer of property rights also involves formal agreements and registries, differentiating it from the informal process suggested by prescription. Adverse possession, although similar, is a more specific legal doctrine that addresses the criteria under which a claim can succeed and is not synonymous with prescription, which can also refer to usage rights that do not necessarily lead to ownership.