Law of Finds

The Law of Finds is a legal principle that applies when a person discovers and claims ownership of abandoned property. In the context of salvage laws, it means that if someone finds something valuable, like a shipwreck or lost items, they may have the right to keep it if it appears to be abandoned. However, this can depend on various factors, such as the property’s condition and the efforts made to find the original owner. It differs from salvage law, which emphasizes rescuing property from danger, and often grants the finder a reward rather than full ownership.