Which statement about the Torrens system is incorrect?

The Torrens system is a method of land registration that provides a high level of security for real estate titles. Under this system, ownership is guaranteed by government authority, meaning that once a property is registered, the title is secure and backed by the state's guarantee. This protects owners from claims by others and simplifies the process of transferring property.

Ownership within the Torrens system is verified through government records, which means that the registration process involves an official examination of title and legal claims. Thus, the system is designed specifically to eliminate the need for an extensive public records search typical of other systems where title issues could arise from unregistered or unverified claims.

The assertion that it is necessary to search public records to ascertain the status of title is misleading within the context of the Torrens system. Unlike other title systems that require a thorough search of historical documents and titles to establish ownership and determine any potential issues, the Torrens system simplifies this by providing a centralized, government-backed record which reflects the current state of ownership. Once registered, the title is conclusive with respect to the interests that are included within it, relieving parties from the need for extensive searches of other public records. This inherently makes property transfers less cumbersome and more straightforward than traditional methods.