When we are dealing with actual property boundaries, we do not have to simulate or to act as if a boundary existed.  We KNOW where the boundaries are.  We know precisely where we may go without trespassing, and where we may not go.

Where boundaries are not discernible or are unclear for any reason, we act AS IF there were boundaries there, and we yield them to the other party and to give them the benefit of the doubt.   We thus act in a mannerly and gracious fashion.

When it comes to suitable and civil relationships between persons, good manners are indispensible even when property boundaries are clear and known.

Many times a trespass or percieved trespass is inadvertent, accidental, and unintended.  It is generally much better to at least at first presume and treat the trespass as unintentional and to overlook and forgive the incident, if it cannot be readily determined that the trespass was indeed intentional and malicious.

A little jingle presumably found on a tombstone humorously illustrates the point:

"... Here lies the body of William Gray.
He died maintaining his right of way."

It is likely that a cooler head and good manners would have been ultimately more prudent and productive for Mr. Gray, than a strict bull-headed inistance upon his right to pass unimpeded.

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