Which characteristic defines the unity of ownership in joint tenants?

The principle that defines the unity of ownership in joint tenants is unity of ownership. This concept emphasizes that each joint tenant has an equal right to the entire property, meaning they all hold an undivided interest. This undivided interest is what characterizes joint tenancy, distinguishing it from other forms of ownership such as tenancy in common.

In joint tenancy, this unity of ownership is critical because it ensures that all tenants share equal rights and responsibilities towards the property. Upon the death of one joint tenant, their interest passes directly to the surviving joint tenants rather than to heirs or through probate, which reinforces the idea of unity within the ownership structure.

Regarding the other options: shared profits is more related to income generated from the property rather than the ownership structure itself. Unity of time ensures that all joint tenants acquire their interests in the property at the same time, while unity of title refers to all tenants holding title in the same deed. While these aspects are important in understanding joint tenancy, they do not capture the full essence of the ownership relationship as clearly as unity of ownership does.