Legal Definitions - corporeal

The term corporeal refers to anything that possesses a physical body or form; it is tangible and can be perceived through the senses, such as by seeing or touching. In legal contexts, this term is most frequently used when discussing property, distinguishing physical assets from intangible rights or interests.

Here are some examples to illustrate the concept of corporeal property:

• Example 1: A Custom-Built Yacht
  Imagine a wealthy individual commissioning the construction of a luxurious yacht. This yacht, once completed, is a physical object with a hull, engines, cabins, and decks that can all be seen, touched, and occupied. It is a tangible asset that exists in the physical world.

  Explanation: The yacht is a corporeal piece of property because it has a distinct physical presence and can be directly interacted with through the senses. Its material existence makes it corporeal, distinguishing it from, for instance, the intangible right to use a specific marina slip (which would be incorporeal).

• Example 2: A Historic Lighthouse
  A non-profit organization acquires an old, decommissioned lighthouse to preserve it as a historical landmark. The lighthouse is a solid structure made of stone and brick, standing firmly on the coastline. It has a physical tower, a lantern room, and interior stairs.

  Explanation: The lighthouse is a corporeal property because it is a fixed, tangible structure. Its physical components can be observed, touched, and walked through, confirming its material existence as a corporeal asset.

• Example 3: A Collection of Rare Coins
  An avid numismatist owns a valuable collection of ancient Roman coins. Each coin is a small, metallic disc with specific engravings and a distinct weight and texture. The collector can hold them, examine their details, and store them in physical albums.

  Explanation: Each coin in the collection is a corporeal item. Despite their small size, they are physical objects that can be seen, touched, and handled, demonstrating their tangible nature as corporeal property.