Legal Definitions - commune

A commune refers to a group of individuals who live together and collectively own or manage their resources, such as land, housing, or finances. They also share in the duties and decision-making necessary for the group's operation and well-being.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Imagine a group of families who decide to establish a sustainable living community in a rural area. They collectively purchase a large plot of land, build shared housing, and pool their resources for farming equipment and supplies. They also divide responsibilities for farming, cooking, childcare, and maintaining the property, with decisions often made by consensus.

  This situation illustrates a commune because the individuals share significant property (the farm, housing, equipment) and jointly manage responsibilities (farming, chores, childcare) for the benefit of the entire group, living together under a common set of agreements.

• Consider a group of artists and craftspeople who decide to live and work together in a large, repurposed industrial building in an urban setting. They collectively pay rent for the entire space, which includes private living quarters and shared studio areas. They also pool resources for art supplies, tools, and exhibition costs, and share responsibilities for maintaining the building, organizing events, and promoting each other's work.

  This demonstrates a commune as the residents collectively manage shared property (the building, studio space, equipment) and share responsibilities (rent, maintenance, promotion) to support their collective artistic endeavors and living arrangements.

• Picture a group of retirees who, seeking companionship and shared expenses, decide to purchase a large estate with multiple smaller dwellings. They collectively own the entire property and share common facilities like a garden, a library, and a communal dining hall. They also divide responsibilities for property upkeep, meal preparation, and organizing social activities, making decisions together during regular meetings.

  This example shows a commune where individuals share property (the estate, common facilities) and responsibilities (maintenance, cooking, social planning) to create a supportive and economically efficient collective living environment in their later years.