Morals of the Church
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Article — Marc, Institutiones Morales

ARTICLE I: On Occupation

¶878.
  1. Definition. Occupation is the apprehension of a thing that belongs to no one, with the mind of having it as one's own. - It is said: apprehension, i.e. real and external occupation of the thing.

Division. There is distinguished: 1. warlike occupation, concerning which we spoke in n. 751; - 2. occupation of animals; - 3. occupation of things found, or finding, concerning which, with the principle first set down, we shall soon speak.

Principle. Occupation is a legitimate mode of acquiring ownership. This is required by nature itself, which made man capable of possessing, indeed which, on account of the condition of life, imposed on him the law of possessing. Occupation is the first mode of satisfying this law, nor can it be admitted that it has force only if either positive law or the consent of peoples accedes. Hence positive law cannot totally suppress the right of occupation.

The Commandments of GodJustice and Rights (Seventh and Tenth Commandments)Ownership and PropertyTitle to Property

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