If a deed calls for "North," what is the legal presumption?

When interpreting a deed that specifies "North," the legal presumption is that it refers to Astronomically North, also known as True North, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. This understanding comes from the principle that in legal descriptions and documents, precision and clarity are paramount. Astronomically North is a fixed point defined by the Earth's rotational axis, making it the baseline for geographical and legal measurements.

In the context of land surveying and property description, True North serves as the standard for alignment and mapping. It provides a consistent point of reference that can be universally understood and measured, which is especially important when considering property boundaries and their implications.

The other options introduce variability that would complicate the interpretation of a deed. For instance, Magnetic North can shift over time due to changes in the Earth's magnetic fields, making it less reliable for legal purposes. Similarly, allowing for a landowner's preference or an arbitrary definition of "North" would undermine the uniformity required in property deeds and surveying practices. True North's established standard ensures clarity and consistency in interpreting legal descriptions within deeds.