The expression Possession Is Nine Tenths Of The Law used to be “Possession is nine points of the law”. It was used by any person claiming an advantage in a legal situation, especially over the ownership of property, whether it belonged to them or not. Before the 17th century the phrased was eleven twelfths and it’s not known why it was later reduced to its current number. The nine “points” are: a just cause, a good lawyer, patience, money, good counsel, witnesses, a true jury, a good judge and good luck.