What does the "Rule against perpetuities" restrict in the context of civil procedure?

The "Rule against perpetuities" primarily restricts the duration of future interests in property. This legal principle establishes that certain types of future interests must vest, if at all, within a specific time frame, typically within 21 years after the death of a measuring life. The rationale behind this rule is to prevent property from being indefinitely tied up and to ensure that interests in property are not limited for an unreasonably long duration. This promotes the transferability and marketability of property, as it ensures that interests do not remain uncertain for too long, which could hinder the rights of current and future owners.

The other options pertain to different aspects of property law or civil procedure that are not directly tied to the rule against perpetuities. For example, the ownership rights of future owners and the transfer of property upon death involve different legal principles, such as those found in estate law and testamentary transfer, which are not governed by the perpetuities rule. Additionally, possession of real property during litigation deals more with procedural issues and the rights of parties involved in legal disputes rather than the vesting of future interests. Thus, the focus on the duration of future interests directly aligns with the purpose and application of the rule against perpetuities.