PS Legal Descriptions & Deed Interpretation 3

Question 1

Under the priority of calls, which type of monument generally carries the highest weight in resolving conflicting deed elements?

Accepted Answer

Natural monuments

Answer

Natural monuments (rivers, lakes, rock outcroppings) carry the highest evidentiary weight because they are permanent, identifiable, and not subject to human error in placement.

Question 2

A deed description states 'thence along the centerline of Oak Creek.' This is an example of which type of call?

Accepted Answer

Monument call

Answer

Calling along a creek or stream centerline is a monument call, as the creek itself serves as a natural monument defining the boundary.

Question 3

In the PLSS, section 6 is always located in which corner of a township?

Accepted Answer

Northwest corner

Answer

In PLSS townships, sections are numbered starting with Section 1 in the northeast corner and serpentining to Section 36 in the southeast, placing Section 6 in the northwest corner.

Question 4

A deed conveys 'the north half of the southeast quarter of Section 14.' How many acres does this parcel contain in a regular section?

Accepted Answer

80 acres

Answer

The SE¼ of a section contains 160 acres; the north half of that equals 80 acres.

Question 5

What legal principle holds that when a deed is ambiguous, it is construed against the grantor?

Accepted Answer

Contra proferentem

Answer

Contra proferentem is the rule that ambiguous deed language is construed against the drafter, who is typically the grantor.

(PS) Professional Licensed Surveyor Practice Test

(PS) Professional Licensed Surveyor Practice Test

PS Legal Descriptions & Deed Interpretation 3