Introduction to Property and Commercial Law

The book "Introduction to Property and Commercial Law" by Scott Grattan and Sheelagh McCracken is a comprehensive textbook designed for students studying property and commercial law. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Property Concepts:

   • The book begins by introducing general property concepts, including tenures, estates, and native title. It delves into the legal and equitable interests in land, exploring both the old system of title registration and the Torrens title system.

2. Real Property:

   • It covers the definition of land, fixtures, and mortgages under both general law and the Torrens title system.

3. Personal Property:

   • The book introduces personal property, focusing on choses in possession. It discusses the taxonomy of personal property, identifying legal interests in choses in possession, and engaging in dealings such as transfer of ownership and possession by bailment.

4. Choses in Action:

   • It explores the concept of a chose in action, including equitable choses in action, and legal assignments of these interests.

5. Assignment and Disposition of Interests:

   • The book covers legal and equitable assignments, including assignments of legal and equitable interests, and the concept of assigning future property.

6. Priority Regimes and Commercial Dealings:

   • It discusses priorities under the Sale of Goods Act, general law priority rules, and traditional forms of security. It also covers security within the scope of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth) (PPSA).

Plot Summary

The book is structured into five parts:

1. Part 1: The Concept and Function of “Property” and (B) Real Property – Introduction to Real Property:

   • This part introduces the foundational concepts of property, including tenures, estates, and native title. It also covers legal and equitable interests in land, old system title registration, and Torrens title land.

2. Part 2: Personal Property – Introduction to Choses in Possession:

   • This section focuses on personal property, including the taxonomy of personal property, identifying legal interests in choses in possession, and engaging in dealings such as transfer of ownership and possession by bailment.

3. Part 3: Personal Property – Introduction to Choses in Action:

   • It explores the concept of a chose in action and equitable choses in action.

4. Part 4: Assignment and Disposition of Interests:

   • This part covers legal and equitable assignments, including assignments of legal and equitable interests, and the concept of assigning future property.

5. Part 5: (A) Priority Regimes and (B) Commercial Dealings as Security Interests Over Property:

   • It discusses priorities under the Sale of Goods Act, general law priority rules, traditional forms of security, and security within the scope of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth) (PPSA).

Critical Reception

The book is designed as a custom publication for students studying Introduction to Property and Commercial Law at the University of Sydney. It is written by experienced authors in the field, Scott Grattan and Sheelagh McCracken, and is intended to provide a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the subject matter. The detailed table of contents and structured approach suggest that the book is well-received for its clarity and thoroughness in covering key topics in property and commercial law.

While specific critical reviews are not provided in the sources, the book's structure and content indicate it is a valuable resource for students and professionals looking to understand the foundational principles of property and commercial law.