Joseph's right to cross Mary's land to reach his property is an example of what?

Joseph's right to cross Mary's land to reach his property represents an easement. An easement is a legal right that allows one party to use a portion of another party's property for a specific purpose, such as access or utility installation. In this case, Joseph needs to traverse Mary's land to access his own property, which establishes a right that can be enforced legally.

Easements can be either appurtenant, meaning they benefit a particular piece of land, or in gross, which benefits an individual. In this instance, as long as Joseph's right to cross the property is documented, it gives him a lawful means of access, which is a key function of easements. Understanding this concept is crucial for navigating property rights and land use issues in real estate.