Which of the following statements best describes an easement?

An easement is defined as a non-possessory interest in land, which means that it grants one party the right to use the property owned by another party for a specific purpose without owning the land itself. This can include various rights, such as the right to pass over someone else's property, access utilities, or cross a driveway. The key aspect of an easement is that it does not give the easement holder ownership or possession of the land; rather, it allows for limited use under agreed-upon conditions.

This understanding is crucial in real estate and property law, as it distinguishes easements from other property rights. For example, ownership rights pertain to control and possession of the property, which is not applicable in the case of easements. Similarly, while easements can also involve restrictions on land use, they primarily serve as a mechanism of usage rather than ownership or possession. Thus, the characterization of an easement as a non-possessory interest accurately captures its legal essence and function in property law.