Hidden Rules of Ownership

Hidden Rules of Ownership

Constant Wonder - Season 2022, Episode 924 , Segment 1

That's Mine!

Episode: That's Mine!

  • Mar 23, 2021 6:00 pm
  • 38:48 mins

Does the space in front of your plane seat belong to you? Or does it belong to the person in front of you, reclining so far back they hit your knees? Although you grew up naturally labeling things as “mine,” the rules of ownership aren’t as straightforward as you think. Many "rules" of possession actually exist outside of the law. And companies often exploit these cultural norms ("First come, first served.") to their advantage. Guest: Michael Heller, Professor of Real Estate Law at Colombia Law School and coauthor of "Mine! How the Hidden Rules of Ownership Control Our Lives"