Legal Definitions - lines and corners

The legal term lines and corners refers to the fundamental components used in a traditional method of land description known as metes and bounds. This system describes property boundaries by detailing the physical features, distances, and directions that form the perimeter of a parcel of land.

• Lines represent the specific measurements of distance and direction that define each segment of a property's boundary. For example, a line might be described as "thence North 30 degrees East for 200 feet."

• Corners are the precise points where these lines meet, marking a change in direction and often serving as a starting or ending point for a boundary segment. These corners are typically identified by physical markers, known as monuments, which can be natural (like a large tree or a rock outcropping) or artificial (like an iron pin, a concrete marker, or a fence post).

Together, the sequence of lines and corners creates a closed polygon that precisely outlines a specific piece of land, making it distinct from all other parcels.

Examples:

• Residential Property Deed: When a homeowner receives a deed for their suburban house, the legal description might read: "Beginning at an iron pin found at the southeast corner of Lot 12, Block B; thence North 88 degrees West for 110 feet to a concrete monument; thence North 2 degrees East for 75 feet to a rebar cap; thence South 88 degrees East for 110 feet to an existing fence post; thence South 2 degrees West for 75 feet to the point of beginning."

  Explanation: In this example, the "iron pin," "concrete monument," "rebar cap," and "existing fence post" are the corners, each marking a specific point on the property's perimeter. The measurements like "North 88 degrees West for 110 feet" and "North 2 degrees East for 75 feet" are the lines, providing the exact direction and distance between these corners, thereby defining the precise shape and dimensions of the residential lot.

• Commercial Land Development: A developer planning a new retail complex commissions a survey of a large undeveloped tract. The surveyor's report describes the property as: "Commencing at the intersection of State Highway 101 and County Road 5, proceeding along the northern right-of-way of State Highway 101 for 1,200 feet to a newly set survey marker; thence turning North 45 degrees West for 800 feet to the center of Miller's Creek; thence following the meanderings of Miller's Creek in a generally northerly direction for approximately 950 feet to a large oak tree; thence South 80 degrees East for 750 feet back to County Road 5; thence South along County Road 5 for 1,100 feet to the point of commencement."

  Explanation: Here, the "intersection of State Highway 101 and County Road 5," the "newly set survey marker," the "center of Miller's Creek," and the "large oak tree" are the identified corners. The segments like "proceeding along the northern right-of-way of State Highway 101 for 1,200 feet" and "turning North 45 degrees West for 800 feet" are the lines, which, when followed in sequence, precisely delineate the extensive boundaries of the commercial development site.

• Rural Boundary Dispute: Two farmers are in disagreement over the exact location of their shared property line in a wooded area. An old deed for one property describes the boundary as: "Starting at the large granite boulder located at the bend in the old logging road; thence running due North for 600 feet to the base of the twin maple trees; thence North 60 degrees West for 400 feet to the old stone wall; thence following the stone wall in a generally westerly direction for 350 feet to a metal fence post."

  Explanation: In this scenario, the "large granite boulder," "twin maple trees," "old stone wall," and "metal fence post" serve as the crucial corners that mark the boundary. The descriptions such as "running due North for 600 feet" and "North 60 degrees West for 400 feet" are the lines, providing the specific directions and distances that, when accurately surveyed, can resolve the dispute by clearly defining the property line between the two farms.