Usurpation is a term that comes from the Latin usurp. It is the action and effect of usurpation (seizure of goods or rights of others). For example: “A group of residents of the Las Rosas neighborhood spoke out against the usurpation of land surrounding the station”, “The usurpation of public space by restaurants and bars that take their tables out onto the street is evident”, “If you want to prevent usurpation, you must connect this field. ”
Due to the development of the Internet and new technologies, a type of usurpation called identity theft is in vogue. It consists of a person carrying out certain actions in the name and surname of another, which of course can generate serious confusion in third parties. This action is typified as a crime, where it is occurring with the greatest number in the field of social networks. Thus, for example, there have been cases of famous singers, actors or presenters who have seen how someone uses their first and last name to create a profile on one of these platforms and make all kinds of normally offensive comments that can damage their image.
The usurpation is usually carried out by force, violence or intimidation. The person who usurps a property may be aware of his crime (and justify it based on his own needs or shortcomings) or may have been deceived by a third party (who promised that the property had no owner, for example). The act of usurping is linked to the action of occupying, since it links the material apprehension (the usurper enters the house and does not leave it) with the will to acquire ownership (when he demands possession and the right of the usurped thing). . A type of usurpation must be declared that is typified as a crime in the Spanish Penal Code. Based on a wide set of criteria and conditions, the competent judge to resolve an action of this nature can establish a final sentence condemning the person who practiced it, for example, with a fine of up to eighteen months. The occupation movement cultivates usurpation as a way of life and social protest. These groups enter and take possession of vacant land (such as abandoned houses, temporarily or permanently), taking advantage of them and denouncing the lack of social conscience of the legitimate owner (for having abandoned the land). Many argue that, given the serious housing problems that exist in much of the world, the invasion of vacant houses is justified. All this without forgetting that, in the same way, there is what is called usurpation of public functions. It is a crime that consists of the person assuming and carrying out acts that are only proper to a certain official or authority. This action can lead to a prison sentence of one to three years.
