If you leave a bike in the street can someone take it? How about a suitcase full of money in the park? Basically, to what extent is "finders' keepers, losers weepers" a valid legal principle?
2006-12-13 20:09:30 · 8 answers · asked by Craig E 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
The law will vary by locality ...in NY any item found with a value greater than $25 must be turned in to the local authorities(police) who will return to owner if possible/locatable or safeguard the item for a period of time which varies by value after which the item may be awarded to the finder. This does not apply to motor vehicles and some other items like guns . So in your examples the bike you would probably get..the money I would say big maybe..the govt could argue that US currency is the property of the US if it's rightful owner is not located.
2006-12-13 23:44:37 · answer #1 · answered by baalberith11704 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think what it comes down to is, you have to ask the question of, "Would a reasonable person leave this object here and not expect to get it back?" For example, if you put an old couch on the curb, it is pretty much up for grabs, because a reasonable person would expect the former owner was going to throw it out anyway. But if there is a diamond ring lying on the ground, a reasonable person would expect that it was not left there on purpose, but accident and the right thing to do would be to turn it into the police.
2006-12-14 04:25:38 · answer #2 · answered by His Angel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nobody is allowed to get things that are left behind in public places. Under the law, the items must be turned over to the concerned government offices for proper disposition. It is only for a the lapse of a prescribed period when an owner do not claim the things that the finder could claim it as a reward.
2006-12-14 04:13:23 · answer #3 · answered by FRAGINAL, JTM 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you leave your bike unlocked in a public place or a suitcase full of money and go catch a movie or something and expect either of them to be there when you get back because it is not right to take them then maybe you don't deserve to have these things or have them taken away until you become responsible enough to protect your stuff from thieves. Steal from me once my fault steal from me again then I catch you and well you get the jist. lol
2006-12-14 04:19:57 · answer #4 · answered by crusinthru 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Suitcase full of money ? I'd keep it put away till I either found out who owns it and go from there (about 2 months) then take a bill out and have it checked for counterfeit.
2006-12-14 06:48:00 · answer #5 · answered by Steven H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, but in America people go to jail for stealing bicycles. In Europe outside of France people don't touch your stuff. It is the respect and wealth that allow people to be that way. And don't think that religious people don't lie or steal. I have seen both.
I would go and talk to the person or warn them first before calling the cops. Or go see the manager. Have it announced.
2006-12-14 04:29:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A person may find something and take it home for safekeeping to try to find out who owns the item and also notify the police.
2006-12-14 04:16:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, they are not entitled to touch your property.
2006-12-14 04:11:25 · answer #8 · answered by bambi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋