The Law of Finding Lost Movable Property in England, Germany and Scotland

Abstract

Abstract The law of finding lost movable property is not only a practically significant but also doctrinally fascinating topic, which has, however, only rarely been treated comparatively. Therefore, the article analyses to what extent a common core exists between a civil law (Germany), mixed (Scotland) and common law (England) legal system and whether the three jurisdictions achieve the purposes of the law of finding. In light of the scarcity of legal literature, the article is the first detailed treatment of the subject in Scots law. It does not only demonstrate that the common core between all three jurisdictions is remarkably small but also that German and Scots law are notably similar, while English law generally takes the opposite legal approach, indicating that Scots law is more related to civil than common law in this field. Moreover, in contrast to both Germany and Scotland, England does, because of the disadvantageous legal position of the finder, not accomplish the purposes of the law of finding; that is, neither (primarily) restoring possession of lost property to its owner nor (secondarily) freeing the finder from the burden of safekeeping found property for the owner. Consequently, legislative reform of English law is indicated.