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Dictionary of Law Terms: Finding

Feoffment. A mode of conveyance of lands in fee, accompanied by certain solemnities. It is rarely, if ever, now used. (See Enfeoff). Fiat. An order or warrant for a thing to be done or executed. Fieri Facias. A writ of execution, by which the sheriff is commanded to levy the debt and damages of the goods and chattels of the defendant. Finding. A finder of goods may appropriate them to his own use if he really believes when he takes them that the owner cannot be found; but if a jury should say that the finder appropriated the goods, not having (or that he could reasonably be supposed not to have had) such belief at the time of appropriation, it amounts to a theft, and can be punished criminally.

Finding a Bill. The grand jury either find or ignore the bills against prisoners; if they find a true bill, the case goes into court, and is tried. Fire bote. The wood which a tenant of lands is legally entitled to take for the purpose of making his fires. If he takes too much he commits waste, and is liable to an action.

Fixtures. This term is generally used to denote those personal chattels which, though annexed to the freehold of demised premises, a tenant is nevertheless entitled to remove. They consist of trade fixtures, and of those put up for the ornament or convenience of the premises.

Foreclosure. The means by which a mortgagee or interested person in the mortgage, after breach of the condition, can compel the mortgagee to redeem, or that his equity of redemption be extinguished.

Forfeiting recognizances. When a person who has entered into recognizances, fails to comply with their conditions, the same are forfeited or estreated. Forfeiture. A punishment consequent upon the commission of certain criminal offences or illegal acts.