What does the rule of first possession state?

The rule of first possession is a fundamental principle in property law that asserts ownership is established by being the first to take possession of an item that previously had no owner. This concept applies particularly in contexts where resources are unclaimed or unowned, such as natural resources or certain types of property. According to this rule, if someone lawfully reduces these unowned things to possession, they acquire ownership over them.

This principle is significant because it encourages individuals to engage with and utilize resources that are otherwise unclaimed, fostering not only productivity but also incentivizing the discovery and use of those resources. The other options focus on varying aspects of possession and ownership that do not capture the essence of the rule: for example, simply using an item, demonstrating intent, or documentation does not inherently grant ownership without the actual act of taking possession of an unowned resource. Hence, the understanding of the rule of first possession directly aligns with the idea of becoming an owner through appropriate possession of previously unowned items, making it the correct choice.