CribCheckThe terms
- General acquisition: land taken for public purposes; private title is compromised.
- Committed land: acquired and earmarked for a specific scheme; usually not releasable.
- Excision: a portion released back to the community, evidenced by a gazette.
- Ratification: state recognition of a private interest within an acquisition.
- Setback: land reserved along roads, drainage channels or power lines and not buildable.
How to test
- Chart the coordinates at the state survey office and get the result in writing.
- Ask for the gazette number where an excision is claimed, and verify it.
- Have a lawyer confirm the position at the lands bureau.
- Walk the site for evidence of a channel, high-tension line or planned road.
General information, not legal advice. Title and land matters vary by state and carry real financial risk — instruct a property lawyer before you pay anything.