Talk:finders, keepers

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Latest comment: 13 years ago by DCDuring in topic possession is nine-tenths of the law
Jump to navigation Jump to search

possession is nine-tenths of the law

[edit]

Isn't this similar to possession is nine-tenths of the law? 71.66.97.228 22:53, 30 May 2011 (UTC)Reply

Never heard of this idiom honestly. JamesjiaoTC 22:58, 30 May 2011 (UTC)Reply
The wikipedia articles explain the differences, but, if it can be taken as a legal principle rather than a childish expression, "finders keepers" is something that applies only to items of low value, typically tangible personal property. It does not literally mean that anyone who finds anything automatically is entitled to keep it. Try that with some bags of cash from a bank or of mail to be delivered or a car with the keys left in it. "Possession is 9/10 of the law" reflects the fact that in cases of disputed ownership puts the burden of proof on someone seeking a court's help in recovering property. And, for real property. see adverse possession. DCDuring TALK 00:26, 31 May 2011 (UTC)Reply
Also see w:Admiralty law for information about the law of salvage and flotsam and jetsam. DCDuring TALK 00:30, 31 May 2011 (UTC)Reply