Which statement best illustrates the difference between general and specific liens?

The distinction between general and specific liens is illustrated accurately in the chosen statement. General liens are those that encumber both personal property and real property, meaning they can be applied to various types of assets owned by a debtor. This broad application allows creditors to claim against multiple types of property in order to satisfy a debt.

Specific liens, on the other hand, are limited to a particular piece of property that serves as collateral for a debt. For instance, if a homeowner takes out a mortgage, the lender may place a specific lien against the property in question, ensuring that the lender has a claim to that specific asset.

Hence, the answer is correct because it captures the essence of both types of liens: general liens encompass all of a debtor's assets (both real and personal), while specific liens are directly tied to a specific property that secures the debt obligation. This distinction is crucial for understanding how creditors can enforce their claims based on the nature of the lien.