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Pass California

Ownership and Land Use, 15% of the examination

Metes and bounds

A legal-description method using directions, distances, monuments, and a point of beginning.

A valid description traces the parcel boundary and returns to the point of beginning. Monuments generally control over courses and distances when descriptions conflict because a physical monument can provide stronger evidence of the intended boundary.

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Test the distinction

A relevant question from Ownership and Land Use, selected because its facts or explanation use this concept.

Ownership and Land Use ยท 15%Descriptions of Property

Which method of land description uses distances and compass bearings from a defined point of beginning?

Written to DRE's published topic list. Not a real examination question, since reproducing those is a misdemeanor under B&P Code section 123.

Primary sources

Use these authorities when a course summary, forum answer, or older flashcard conflicts with the current California rule.

Where this is tested

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