ADRIAN and BLAINE were enthusiastic hobbyists in metal detecting. From time to time they went to sites together and split the costs of transport and accommodation. They did not operate in partnership in that they did not share anything that was found. Essentially what was found by one person was kept by that person alone. In November, 2020, Adrian and Blaine were together operating their metal detecting machines in a potato field with the permission of the owner of the field, CHARLIE. Near the end of the day, Adrian received a signal from the metal detector but because it was a new machine Adrian wanted to have verification. Adrian asked Blaine to verify the reading, which Blaine did. Adrian began to dig the hole at the point the machine indicated and was about two-thirds finished when Blaine came to help, uninvited. Blaine uncovered a metal object which was later confirmed to be a belt buckle used by British soldiers stationed in the Province of Upper Canada in around 1795. Adrian reached for it and Blaine gave it to Adrian, although somewhat reluctantly. Some weeks later, Blaine asked Adrian for the belt buckle so it could be photographed. Adrian provided it. Blaine now refuses to return it. Neither Adrian nor Blaine informed Charlie of the find. ADVISE THE PARTIES. Please ensure that you state all legal issues and your advice with precision.

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

There are several legal issues at play in this scenario and my advice will address each of them in turn 1 Ownership of the Belt Buckle Based on the fa... View the full answer