Finds doctrine

The "Finds doctrine" is a legal principle that determines who owns archaeological artifacts discovered by private individuals. Under this doctrine, if someone finds a buried or hidden object and reports it to authorities, they usually gain ownership rights. If they do not report it, ownership remains with the landowner where the object was found. The doctrine aims to balance encouraging discovery and reporting of artifacts with protecting property rights, promoting the preservation of cultural heritage while respecting land ownership. It varies by jurisdiction, but generally emphasizes the importance of reporting finds to appropriate authorities.