The term "possessions" refers to territories under the jurisdiction of the United States that are not states. According to federal law, this includes areas such as the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Guano Islands, as long as they remain classified as possessions. However, it does not include any Commonwealths.
In legal practice, the term "possessions" is often used in discussions about territorial governance, military jurisdiction, and federal regulations. It is relevant in various legal areas, including:
Users may encounter forms or procedures related to these possessions, which can often be managed through legal templates provided by services like US Legal Forms.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Here are a couple of examples of how the term "possessions" is applied:
The primary legal reference for the term "possessions" is found in:
| Term | Definition | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth | A self-governing territory associated with the U.S. | Commonwealths have more autonomy compared to possessions. |
| Territory | A region of land under the jurisdiction of a governing body. | Possessions are a specific type of territory, often with unique legal statuses. |
If you are dealing with legal matters related to a U.S. possession, consider the following steps:
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Typical Jurisdiction | U.S. federal law |
| Examples of Possessions | Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa |
| Legal Status | Not a state, governed by federal law |
A possession is a territory under U.S. jurisdiction without statehood, while a state has full representation and rights under the U.S. Constitution.