In criminal law, what is the standard term for someone trying to establish ownership over property?

In criminal law, the term most commonly used for someone attempting to establish ownership over property is "claimant." This term refers to an individual or entity that asserts a right to ownership or possession of a property, often in a legal context. Claimants are involved in disputes over property rights, seeking recognition from the court or relevant authorities regarding their ownership claims.

While terms like "possessor," "owner," and "guardian" carry specific meanings, they do not encompass the broader legal context of asserting ownership. A possessor refers to someone currently in physical control of the property, which may not necessarily imply that they have a legal claim to ownership. An owner indicates someone who holds legal title to the property but does not specifically highlight the action of asserting that right. A guardian typically refers to someone who has been appointed to manage the affairs of another individual, particularly in cases involving minors or incapacitated persons, and is not related to ownership claims. Therefore, "claimant" accurately captures the legal act of asserting ownership rights.