I’m thinking of the case where a local judge began to develop a footpath and grass on an adjacent property, fully knowing it wasn’t his. The property belonged to another local man, who was keeping the land for a retirement or vacation home in the future.
He found out that the judge had filed an “adverse posession” claim and had been deeded the property by the courts.
Oh, the outrage.
In most states, the judge must have used the path for an extended period (usually about seven years or more) and the landowner must have known about the judge's use.
Even then, the judge would normally have received only an easement to use the path for access unless his/her use was exclusive during the period of adverse possession.
Sounds like there are probably some interesting facts tucked away in the pleadings and discovery.