the other's lack of title (a). But in general such a pledge
will confer no right as against the true owner of the
property, because nemo plus juris in alium transferre potest
quam ipse habet (b); and traditio nihil amplius trans-
ferre debet, vel potest ad enim qui accipit, quam est ad
eum qui tradit (c). Hence a pawnee or purchaser who
has advanced money on, or paid money for, goods stolen
or otherwise unlawfully obtained will, in most cases,
be held liable to restore them or their value to the true
owner. Having received them from a person with no
title, he has acquired no title to them himself (d). Goods
let to hire on what is known as the "Hire-Purchase
system, cannot be validly pledged by the borrower (e).
Neither can goods which have been sent by mistake, as
no property has thereby passed to the recipient (f). On
the same principle, if a person having a limited interest in
a chattel, as tenant for life, pawnee, &c., should pledge it
absolutely, the pledge will be valid to the extent of his
interest therein, but invalid beyond it (g). There are, how-
ever, certain exceptions which have been grafted upon this
rule by the law merchant, or by direct legislation in favour
of bona fide pawnees and other transferees for value. Bills.
of Exchange, and similar negotiable instruments other than
crossed cheques bearing the words "not negotiable," (h),
(a) Pickard v.Sears,6 A.& E., 475; Freeman v. Cooke, 2 Ex.,654; 18 L.J.,114 Ex.
(b) Pothier, Oblig. 263. (c) Dig. Lib. 41, tit. 1, 1. 20.
(d) Whistler v. Forster, 14 C.B., N.S., 218; 32 L.J., 161 C.P., 8 L.T., N.S., 317,
11 W.R. 648. Lindsay v. Cundy, L.R., 1 Q.B.D., 348, 2 Ib., 96; L.R., 3 A.C.,
459; 45 L.J., 381, Q.B.; 46 Ib., 233; 47 Ib., 481, 35 L.T., N.S., 539; 38
Ib., 573; 24 W.R., 730; 25 Ib., 417; 26 Ib., 406. Fowler v. Hollins, L.R.,
7 Q.B., 616; L.R., 7 H.L., 757; 19 W.R., 180, 20 Ib., 868. See also,
post, Cap. IV., "OF THE PAWNOR."

(e) Singer Manufacturing Coy. v. Clark, L.R., 5 Ex. D., 37; 49 L.J., Ex. D., 224.
(f) Re Reed, Exp. Barnett, L.R., 3 Ch. D., 123; 45 L.J., Bank., 120; 34 L.T.,
N.S., 664; 24 W.R., 904.

(g) Stuart v. Cockerell, L.R., 8 Eq., 607; 39 L.J., 127 Ch.; 18 W.R., 1057
Tanner v. European Bank, L.R., 1 Ex., 261; 35 L.J., 151 Ex. Donald v. Suckling,
L.R., 1 Q.B.D., 585; 35 L.J., 352 Q.B.; 14 L.T., N.S., 772; 15 W.R., 13.
(h) 39 & 40 Vict., cap. 81, sec. 12. Mere crossing of a cheque does not re-
strain its negotiability by pawn or otherwise. Smith v. Union Bank of London,
L.R., 1 Q.B.D., 31; 45 L.J., Q.B., 149; 24 W.R., 194; 33 L.T., N.S.,
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may be so transferred as to enable bona fide holders for value to acquire an absolute title, as against acceptors or others from whom such documents have been obtained by fraud or felony (a). Somewhat similar is the operation of the Factors' Acts, which, as will be more fully noted hereafter, enable certain classes of persons to make valid pledges of goods with which they have been entrusted to factors, brokers, &c. (b). On the other hand, a cheque altered after issue (c), or on which the payee's endorsement has been forged, will give no title to a bona fide pawnee for value (d).

A pledge will be invalid if made in violation of public policy or statutory enactment. Cum vitiose vel inutiliter contractus pignoris intercedat, retentioni locus non est, nec si bona creditoris ad fiscum pertineant (e). Thus, a [pledge or other] bailment made for the purpose of aiding a prostitute to carry on her immoral calling (f), or to secure a debt incurred by debauchery (g), confers no right which the law will recognize; so also, when money is paid (h) [or a pledge given] to withdraw an election petition; to suppress a criminal prosecution (i); for not exposing the defendant's

(a) Currie v. Misa, L.R. 10 Ex. (Ex. Ch.) 153, 44 L.J., 94 Ex.; 14 L.T., N.S., 414; 14 W.R., 675; 23 W.R., 450. Godwin v. Robarts, L.R. 10 Ex., 76 (Ex. Ch.) 337, L.R., 1 E. & I.A., 476; 44 L.J., 57 (Ex. Ch.) 157; 45 Ib., 748 (H.L.); 32 L.T., N.S., 199; 23 Ib., 272; 25 lb., 179; 23 W.R., 642, 915 ; 24 lb., 987. (b) See post, Cap. V., "OF PLEDGES BY FACTORS AND OTHERS.' (e) Vance v. Lowther, 1 Ex. D., 176; 45 L.J., Ex. D., 200; 34 L.T., N.S., 286; 24 W.R., 372.

(1) Bobbett v. Pinkett, L.R., 1 Ex. D., 368; 45 L.J., Ex. D., 555; 34 L.T., N.S., 120; 24 W.R., 711, though Bankers paying on such an endorsement will be protected by 16 and 17 Vict., cap. 59, sec. 19.

(e) Dig. lib. 20, tit. 1, 1. 25.

(f) Pearce v. Brooks, L.R., 1 Ex. 313; 35 L.J., 134 Ex.; 14 L.T., N.S., 288;
14 W.R., 614. Cannan v. Bryce, 3 B. & Ald., 179. M'Kinneil v. Robinson,
(g) Taylor v. Chester, L.R., 4 Q.B., 309.
(h) Coppock v. Bower, 4 M. & W., 361.

3 M. & W., 434.

(i) Collins v. Blantern, 2 Wilson, 341; 1 Smith's Leading Cases, 7th edit. 369, Williams v. Bayley, L.R., 1 H.L., 200. Davies v. London and Provincial Marine Insurance Coy., L.R., 8 Ch. D., 469; 47 L.J., Ch. D., 511; 38 L.T., N.S., 478; 26 W.R., 794. Re Mapleback, exp. Caldecott, L.R., 4 Ch. D., 150 (C.A.); 46 L.J., Bank., 14; 25 W.R., 103; 35 L.T., N.S., 503.

immoral conduct (a); to defraud creditors (b); with intent to influence a person in a confidential capacity to act in opposition to his employer's interest (c), even if he be not in fact influenced thereby (d); in pursuance of a simoniacal contract (e); to assign the future profits of a government office obtained by the plaintiff's influence (f), or the future pay or half pay of an officer in the army or navy who is liable to serve (g); because their emoluments are granted for the dignity of the State, and for the decent support of those engaged in its service, and it is contrary to the honour, interest, and dignity of the State, that its servants should be in danger of being reduced to poverty, by anticipating resources intended to place them in a suitable condition for respectability, comfort and efficiency (h). The salary of a medical officer, not actually due and payable, cannot be attached by a County Court (i). Contra, when pensions are payable to Judges or other public officers for past services (k).

Assignments of mere naked rights to litigate, are void at Common Law for champerty and maintenance; but purchases, pledges or settlements, which transfer substantial rights to property, are valid, though they have been acquired for the purpose of enforcing rights thereto by action (1).

(a) Brown v. Brine, L.R., 1 Ex. D., 5; 45 L.J., Ex. D., 129; 33 L.T., N.S., 703 ; 24 W.R., 177.

(b) Clay v. Ray, 17 C.B., N.S., 188. Geere v. Mare, 2 H. & C. 339, 33 L.J., 50 Ex.; 45 L.J., 498, C.P. ; 24 W.R., 674. Re Lenzberg's Policy, L.R., 7 Ch. D., 650; 47 L.J., Ch. D., 178; 26 W.R., 258. Blacklock v. Dobie, L.R., 1 C.P.D.,265. (c) Morgan v. Elford, L.R. 4, Ch. D., 352; 25 W.R., 136.

(d) Harrington v. Victoria Graving Dock Coy., L.R. 3 Q.B.D., 549; 47 L.J., Q.B.D., 594; 26 W.R., 740. Moher v. O'Grady, 4 Ir., L.R., 54 Ex.

(e) Littledale v. Thompson, 4 L.R., Ir., Q.B., 43.

(f) Parsons v. Thompson, 1 H. Bl. 322. Law v. Law, 3 Peere, Wms. 392. (g) Flarty v. Odlum, 3 T.R., 681.

(h) Story's Equity Jurisprudence, secs. 1040, 1040f.

(i) Jones v. Thompson, E.B. & E., 63; 27 L.J., 234 Q.B. Hall v. Pritchett, L.R., 3 Q.B.D., 215; 47 L.J., Q.B.D., 18; 26 W.R., 95.

(k) Willcocks v. Terrell, L.R., 3 Q.B.D., 323; 39 L.T., N.S., 84.

(1) Lyson v. Jackson, 30 Beav., 384. Dickenson v. Burrell, L.R., 1 Eq., 331; 35 Beav., 257; 35 L.J., 371 Ch.; 14 W.R., 412; 13 L.T., N.S., 660.

A trading Joint Stock Company cannot pledge the proceeds of future calls upon its shares, though a pledge of calls already made and in course of payment, is valid (a). But such, or any other pledging or charging of the Company's assets, must not contravene the Company's Articles of Association (), and must be registered as required by 25 and 26 Vict., cap. 89, sec. 43 (c). But such a pledge, or other security, will not be void as against general creditors, though it will not rank as against other securities (d).

A pledge may be invalid when deposited as security for the fulfilment of a bargain in which advantage has been taken of the pawnor's youth and inexperience (e), though in such cases, the pledge will generally be held good for the amount actually advanced, with 4 per cent. interest (f). And if originally open to objection, it may, in the absence of fraud, be validated by deliberate ratification (g).

The Mutiny Act (h) makes it unlawful knowingly to detain, buy, exchange, or receive from any soldier or deserter, or any person on his behalf, any arms, ammuni(a) Re Sankey Brook Coal Company, L.R., 9 Eq., 721; 10 Eq., 381; 39 L.J., 223 Ch.; 22 L.T., N.S, 62, 781; 18 W.R., 427, 914. Re International Life Insurance Society, Gibbs & West's cases, L.R., 10 Eq., 312; 39 L.J., 667, Ch. ; 23 L.T., N.S., 350; 18 W.R., 970.

(b) Re General Provident Association, Bridger's case, L.R., 9 Eq., 74; 5 C.A., 305; 38 L.J., 320 Ch.; 39 Ib., 478; 22 L.T., N.S., 454, 693; 18 W.R., 228, 412.

(c) Re Wynn Hall Coal Coy., L.R., 10 Eq., 515; 39 L.J., Ch., 695; 18 W.R., 1128. Re Patent Bread Coy., L.R., 7 C.A., 289; 26 L.T., N.S., 228; 20 W.R., 347. Re Native Iron Ore Coy., L.R., 2 Ch. D., 345; 45 L.J., Ch. D., 517; 24 W.R., 503; 34 L.T., N.S., 777.

(d) Re Globe, &c., Iron Coy., 48 L.J., 295 Ch. ; 40 L.T., N.S., 450; 27 W.R., 424. Re South Durham Iron Coy., exp. Smith, L.R., 11 Ch. D., 578; 48 L.J., 480 Ch. D.; 40 L.T.; N.S., 572; 27 W.R., 854 (in C.A.).

(e) Miller v. Cook, L.R., 10 Eq., 641; 40 L.J., 11 Ch.; 22 L.T., N.S., 740; 18 W.R., 1061. Tyler v. Yates, L.R., 11 Eq., 265; L.R., 6 C.A., 665; 40 L.J., 768 Ch. ; 23 L.T., N.S., 447; 25 Ib., 284; 19 W.R., 118, 909. Earl of Aylesford v. Morris, L.R., 8 C.A., 484; 42 L.J., 146, 546, Ch. ; 27 L.T., N.S., 753; 28 Ib., 541; 21 W.R., 188, 424. Beynon v. Cook, L.R., 10 C.A., 389; 32 L.T., N.S., 353; 23 W.R., 413, 531.

(f) Martin v. Gale, L.R., 4 Ch. D., 428; 46 L.J., 84 Ch. D.; 36 L.T., N.S., 535; 25 W.R., 406.

(g) O'Rorke v. Bolingbroke, L.R., 2 A.C., 814; 26 W.R., 239.

(h) 41 Vict., cap. 10, sec. 86.

tion, medals for good conduct or service, clothes, military furniture, provisions, forage, or articles provided under barrack regulations; or to possess or keep any such things without giving a satisfactory account of such possession, &c.

In very similar language, statutes in pari materiá impose penalties upon persons who knowingly receive or possess arms, ammunition, medals, clothes, military furniture, or regimental or divisional necessaries of the Royal Marine forces (a); arms, clothes, accoutrements, regimental necessaries, provided for the soldier and paid for out of his pay; public stores or ammunition provided for the militia in England and Wales (b), in Scotland (c), and in Ireland (); arms, accoutrements, ammunition, or clothing, provided for, or entrusted to, any man enrolled in the Reserve forces (e); arms, accoutrements, clothing, or ammunition, delivered to any member of the Yeomanry or Volunteer forces (f); or any thing issued to any person as a volunteer (g); arms, clothes, accoutrements, or ammunition belonging to and provided for Naval Coast Volunteers (h), or members of the Reserve force of Volunteer Seamen (i). Pledges of clothes, linen, or goods appropriated for the wear of pensioners or nurses of Greenwich (k) and Chelsea (7) Hospitals, are also prohibited by the statutes noted below.

The Army Discipline and Regulation Act (m) makes it unlawful for any soldier to pawn, &c. ammunition, equipments, instruments, clothing, or regimental neces

(a) 41 Vict., cap. 11, sec. 85.

(b) 17 & 18 Vict., cap. 105, sec. 48. (c) 17 & 18 Vict., cap. 106, sec. 68.

(d) 17 & 18 Vict., cap. 107, sec. 31. (e) 30 & 31 Vict., cap. 110, sec. 14. (f) 44 Geo. 3, cap. 54, sec. 45.

(9) 26 & 27 Vict., cap. 65, secs. 28 & 29, expressly extended to pawns by 32 & 33 Vict., cap. 81, sec. 5.

(h) 16 & 17 Vict., cap. 73, sec. 19.

(i) 22 & 23 Vict., cap. 40, sec. 19. (k) 20 Geo. 2, cap. 24, sec. 16.

(1) 5 Geo. 4, cap. 107, sec. 1. 7 Geo. 4, cap. 16, sec. 34.
(m) 42 & 43 Vict., cap. 33, sec. 24.