Bailment

The book "Bailment" by N. E. Palmer is a comprehensive legal treatise that provides an in-depth analysis of the concept and principles of bailment. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Concept and Principles of Bailment: The book offers an unequalled explanation of the concept and principles of bailment, which is the voluntary transfer of possession of tangible personal property from one person (the bailor) to another (the bailee) for a specific purpose.
2. Relationship with Other Laws: It examines the relationship between bailment and other areas of law, including the law of sale of goods, contract, and tort.
3. Specific Types of Bailments: The book covers various specific types of bailments, such as involuntary bailment, constructive bailment, and gratuitous custody.
4. Practical Applications: It guides practitioners through the common problems that arise in bailment and explains how bailment applies in a wide range of practice areas, including banking, insurance, finance leasing, international trade, carriage of goods, construction, insolvency, art loans and exhibitions, and the proceeds of crime.
5. Case Law Analysis: The book provides detailed analysis of case law to show how courts have applied the principles of bailment.
6. Claims and Remedies: It deals with claims and remedies related to bailment, including jurisdiction and choice of law issues.

Plot Summary

The book is divided into 26 chapters and covers over 1,000 pages. It begins with an analysis of the nature and elements of bailment, including what can be the subject of a bailment. The subsequent chapters delve into the classifications of bailments, the rights, remedies, and duties of the bailor and the bailee, and the concept of possession. The book also discusses different categories of bailments and their implications for legal relationships and available remedies.

Critical Reception

• Academic Praise: The book has been praised for its comprehensive coverage and authoritative analysis. It is considered a major achievement in the field of bailment law, capable of being used throughout the common law world.
• Relevance and Authority: Previous editions of the book have been widely cited, and it is recognized as a reliable source of authority in the field of bailment law.
• Practical Focus: While the book is written by practitioners and is based on black-letter law, some critics argue that it lacks a truly practical slant, focusing more on theoretical aspects of bailment.

Overall, "Bailment" by N. E. Palmer is a seminal work in the field of bailment law, providing a detailed and authoritative guide to the concept and its applications in various legal contexts.