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1. Who started Torrens?

The Torrens system was developed by Sir Robert Richard Torrens (1814-1884), an Australian customs officer and reformer of Australian land laws. He subsequently became a Registrar of Deeds. Sir Robert Torrens was looking for 5 qualities:
Low Cost
Reliability
Simplicity
Speed
Suitability

2. What is Torrens?

It is a system for registration of land under which, upon the landowner’s application, the court may, after appropriate proceedings, direct the issuance of a certificate of title.

With the abstract system an abstract is evidence of title.

In the Torrens system the certificate of title is the title.

3. Where did the Torrens system idea come from?

The Torrens system was originally a ship registry system whereby each ship owner was assigned a certificate that included various information. When a vessel was sold, the seller surrendered the certificate for cancellation and a new certificate was given to the new owner.

4. Why do we have Torrens?

The purpose of the system is to simplify the transfer of real estate.

The County Recorder directs the office of the Registrar of Titles.

District Court, however, controls the registration of the land and directs the Registrar of Titles.

An Examiner of Titles is the legal advisor to the Registrar of Titles and is appointed by the District Court.