How is lost property defined?

Lost property is defined as personal property that was unintentionally left by the owner. This definition emphasizes the notion that the owner did not mean to part with the item, and it was not given away or abandoned. Typically, lost property occurs due to accidents or forgetfulness, where the owner simply leaves the item behind without any intention to discard it or transfer ownership.

For example, if someone forgets their wallet at a coffee shop, that wallet is considered lost property because the owner did not willingly leave it there. In legal terms, the distinction of lost property is important because it affects how the property is handled and the rights of both the original owner and finders of the property. This concept is foundational in areas such as property law, where it determines the procedures for reporting and recovering such items.