Legal Definitions - in solo

In solo is a Latin term that translates to "in the soil" or "in the ground." It refers to anything that is physically located within, embedded in, or permanently attached to the earth itself, as opposed to something merely resting on its surface.

This term is frequently encountered in legal discussions concerning property rights, real estate, and environmental matters, where the distinction between what is part of the land and what is not can have significant implications.

• Example 1: Construction and Foundations

  When a construction company builds a skyscraper, the massive concrete footings and pilings that support the structure are dug deep into the earth. These foundational elements are considered to be in solo.

  This illustrates the term because the foundations are not just sitting on the ground; they are physically embedded within the soil, becoming an integral and permanent part of the land itself. This makes them part of the real property.

• Example 2: Mineral Rights and Resources

  A farmer owns land that is discovered to contain valuable deposits of gypsum. The legal rights to extract this gypsum are often referred to as mineral rights, pertaining to resources found in solo.

  Here, the gypsum is naturally occurring within the ground, making it a resource that exists in solo. The ownership and extraction rights are tied to its location within the earth, distinguishing it from crops grown on the surface or structures built upon it.

• Example 3: Underground Utilities and Fixtures

  During the sale of a commercial property, a dispute arises over whether a complex network of underground irrigation pipes and electrical conduits, installed years ago, is included in the sale or can be removed by the seller.

  The irrigation pipes and electrical conduits are considered to be in solo because they are permanently buried and integrated into the ground. As such, they are typically classified as fixtures that are part of the real property being sold, rather than personal property that the seller could take away.