A creditor's legal right or interest in another's property that secures the payment of a debt is best described as which term?

• A. Mortgage
• B. Lien
• C. Privilege
• D. Charge

Answer: (B)

A lien is a creditor’s security interest in another person’s property that ensures the debt will be paid. It attaches to the property and gives the creditor the right to satisfy the debt from the property's value if the debtor defaults, without transferring ownership. This broad concept covers various forms of security, including mortgages on real property as well as other involuntary or statutory claims like mechanics’ liens or tax liens. A mortgage is specifically a loan secured by real estate and is a type of lien, not the generic term for the security interest described. Privilege and charge aren’t the standard terms used to describe this general right in property law. Thus, the best term for the described right is lien.