Minecraft Abandoned Property and Possession Act 2025

Minecraft Abandoned Property and Possession Act (APPA) 2025

Passed by the Assembly on 29 August 2025.

Introduced in the Minecraft Assembly by: Speaker Lyoko222, PHon CmS

Purpose:

Whereas there are little to no laws governing the status of property rights and status in the Minecraft Server

Whereas these should be addressed to come in line with provisions passed under the IDPA

Whereas this Assembly of Representatives ought to proactively address problems before they arise.

Article I: Abandoned Property

§1. Property (land or structure) shall be deemed abandoned if the owner:

§1.1 Has not logged into the server for 30 consecutive days, and

§1.2 Has not designated a caretaker or heir.

§2. Abandoned property reverts to the ownership of the Minecraft Assembly or the local city council (Authority Having Jurisdiction), who may:

§2.1 Place it for Auction to the Public

§2.2 Convert it for Public Use, either as infrastructure, or some other use as deemed appropriate by the Assembly, or Authority Having Jurisdiction

§3. Only cities, recognized under statute, may qualify as an “Authority Having Jurisdiction”, all others may petition the assembly to qualify as one.

§3.1 Localities who are not considered Cities under this statute, shall have property directly administered by the Minecraft Assembly.

Article II: Squatters’ Rights

§1. Definition

§1.1 Squatting is the unauthorized occupation of land without the consent of the owner or relevant authority (Minecraft Assembly or city council).

§2. Prohibition

§2.1 Squatting is unlawful unless legitimized under adverse possession.

§3. Enforcement

§3.1 The Assembly or city council may order eviction of squatters.

§3.2 Materials placed may be confiscated unless equity requires restitution.

Article III: Adverse Possession

§1. Adverse possession applies when:

§1.1 An individual continuously occupies, improves, and maintains land or structures for 60 consecutive days, and

§1.2 No valid competing owner appears during that period.

§2. The Minecraft Assembly or city council shall certify such possession upon petition, making the possessor the new legal owner.

§3. Exceptions to Adverse Possession

§3.1 Public Buildings: Property belonging to the Minecraft Assembly, city councils, or other recognized institutions (courthouses, town halls, armories, ports, archives) is permanently exempt.

§3.2 Residences of Public Officials: The homes of elected or appointed officials (Assembly members, city mayors, judges, cabinet officers, sheriffs) are exempt during their term of office. Afterward, normal rules apply if the property is abandoned.

§3.3 Heritage & Landmark Sites: Any site designated as a heritage or landmark by the Assembly or local council is permanently exempt.

§3.4 Fraudulent Claims: Any bad-faith adverse possession attempt against exempt property is void and may incur fines or land grant bans.

Article IV: Dispute Resolution

§1. Disputes

§1.1 All disputes regarding abandonment, squatters’ rights, or adverse possession shall be brought before the Minecraft Assembly or respective city council.

§1.2 Appeals may be submitted to the Minecraft Judicial Officer if a party alleges procedural unfairness or abuse.

Article V: Enforcement

§1. Registry Requirement

§1.1 The Minecraft Assembly shall maintain a Property Registry of all claims, transfers, and exemptions.

§2. Municipal Enforcement

§2.1 City councils are empowered to enforce this Act within their municipal boundaries, subject to Assembly oversight.

§3. Establishment of the Land Registry Office

§3.1 The Governor shall appoint a Colony Registrar, who shall keep records of colonial land registrations, subject to confirmation by the Assembly, who shall report to the Head of Public Works

§3.1.1 If no Colony Registrar is appointed, the Head of Public Works shall administer the office directly

§3.2 The Colony Registrar shall be empowered to appoint deputy registrars, and surveyors for the administration of the office’s work.