Daniel, I'll answer your question.
It's a legal urban legend. In other words, it doesn't mean squat.
Another one I hear: "You have to live with someone for seven years before a common law marriage is valid."
Google possession nine tenths law for tons of info.
Now, go read stuff by Bryan Garner.
http://www.lawprose.org/
He is a plain language advocate and you really need to learn from him.

