District Of Columbia § 28:7-602 - Judicial process against goods covered by negotiable document of title.

Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 28:7-602 — Judicial process against goods covered by negotiable document of title., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 28:7-602. Judicial process against goods covered by negotiable document of title.

28:7-602

Unless a document of title was originally issued upon delivery of the goods by a person that did not have power to dispose of them, a lien does not attach by virtue of any judicial process to goods in the possession of a bailee for which a negotiable document of title is outstanding unless possession or control of the document is first surrendered to the bailee or the document’s negotiation is enjoined. The bailee may not be compelled to deliver the goods pursuant to process until possession or control of the document is surrendered to the bailee or to the court. A purchaser of the document for value without notice of the process or injunction takes free of the lien imposed by judicial process.

Annotations

“Value”. Section 1-204.

“Purchase”. Section 1-201.

“Person”. Section 1-201.

“Notice”. Section 1-202.

“Goods”. Section 7-102.

“Document of title”. Section 1-201.

“Delivery”. Section 1-201.

“Bailee”. Section 7-102.

Sections 7-106 and 7-501 through 7-503.

2. The last sentence covers the possibility that the holder of a document who has been enjoined from negotiating it will violate the injunction by negotiating to an innocent purchaser for value. In such case the lien will be defeated.

1. The purpose of the section is to protect the bailee from conflicting claims of the document of title holder and the judgment creditors of the person who deposited the goods. The rights of the former prevail unless, in effect, the judgment creditors immobilize the negotiable document of title through the surrender of possession of a tangible document or control of an electronic document. However, if the document of title was issued upon deposit of the goods by a person who had no power to dispose of the goods so that the document is ineffective to pass title, judgment liens are valid to the extent of the debtor’s interest in the goods.

Changes to accommodate electronic documents of title and for style.

Former Section 7-602.

“Value”. Section 1-201.

“Purchase”. Section 1-201.

“Person”. Section 1-201.

“Notice”. Section 1-201.

“Goods”. Section 7-102.

“Document”. Section 7-102.

“Delivery”. Section 1-201.

“Bailee”. Section 7-102.

Point 1: Section 7-503.

2. The last sentence covers the possibility that the holder of a document who has been enjoined from negotiating it will violate the injunction by negotiating to an innocent purchaser for value. In such case the lien will be defeated.

1. The purpose of the section is to protect the bailee from conflicting claims of the document holder and the judgment creditors of the person who deposited the goods. The rights of the former prevail unless, in effect, the judgment creditors immobilize the negotiable document. However, if the document was issued upon deposit of the goods by a person who had no power to dispose of the goods so that the document is ineffective to pass title, judgment liens are valid to the extent of the debtor’s interest in the goods.

Consolidated and rewritten.

Section 25, Uniform Warehouse Receipts Act; Section 24, Uniform Bills of Lading Act.

Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 28:7-602

What does D.C. Code § 28:7-602 cover?

Section 28:7-602 ("Judicial process against goods covered by negotiable document of title.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite District Of Columbia § 28:7-602?

A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 28:7-602" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.

How does District Of Columbia § 28:7-602 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.