In the case Wilcox v. Stoup (4th Circuit 2006), Wilcox finds civil war documents worth $2.4 million in a family closet. the State of South Carolina asserts ownership and sues to stop Wilcox from selling the papers.

In the analysis: there is a common-law presumption the court uses that the person in possession of the property is the lawful owner. The opposing party must rebut the presumption.

What are some positives and negatives of this presumption?