Straight from the Talmud

Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports
1

Hi!

I was fascinated to see how many concepts in your article are based on the Talmud. The tractate Bava Metzia - the Middle Gate - discusses found articles and the responsibility of someone who finds a lost article or is watching an article for someone else.

There is a major discussion regarding situations where the owner of an object has given up hope of recovery.

In addition, one of the basic premises is that to claim ownership of anything in another’s possession, the claimant must prove his claim decisively.

The concept of finders keepers is limited to those articles that have no identifying marks or situations where the owner has clearly given up hope of recovery. There is also a discussion of the treasure trove principle and of squatters’ rights.

Many of the theories of current jurisprudence are firmly based in Talmudic law.

Fascinating, considering the Talmud was compiled over 1,500 years ago!

2

Welcome to the Straight Dope Message Board, yehudaz, we’re glad to have you with us.

When you start a thread, it’s helpful to other posters if you provide a link to the Staff Report you’re commenting on. I’m assuming that you mean this week’s, namely What does “possession is 9/10ths of the law” mean?

While it’s on the front page at the moment, in a few days it will vanish into the Archives, where there are many (many!) questions. So, to save people from searching time and to keep us all on the same page, a link is appreciated. No biggie, you’ll know for next time, and, as we say, welcome indeed.

3

This link: Jewish Law - Articles ("The Return of Lost Property According to Jewish & Common Law: A Comparison") which was included in my reference section contains a great comparison of Jewish American laws of finds.