How is a distributed ledger different from the centralized ledgers that many US states use?

Normally, to verify ownership, each transaction is reviewed to verify that they follow a direct chain back to the property's origin.

Compare that to a blockchain, where an algorithm which all involved parties must agree to, traces ownership through each transaction involving the property back to its origin.

Both have situations that result in conflicts that have to be resolved, whether by algorithm or in a court room.