District Of Columbia § 28:7-603 - Conflicting claims; interpleader.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 28:7-603 — Conflicting claims; interpleader., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 28:7-603. Conflicting claims; interpleader.
28:7-603If more than one person claims title to or possession of the goods, the bailee is excused from delivery until the bailee has a reasonable time to ascertain the validity of the adverse claims or to commence an action for interpleader. The bailee may assert an interpleader either in defending an action for nondelivery of the goods or by original action.
Annotations
“Reasonable time”. Section 1-205.
“Person”. Section 1-201.
“Goods”. Section 7-102.
“Delivery”. Section 1-201.
“Bailee”. Section 7-102.
“Action”. Section 1-201.
Point 1: Section 7-403.
2. This section allows the bailee to bring an interpleader action but does not provide an exclusive basis for allowing interpleader. If either state or federal procedural rules allow an interpleader in other situations, the bailee may commence an interpleader under those rules. Even in an interpleader to which this section applies, the state or federal process of interpleader applies to the bailee’s action for interpleader. For example, state or federal interpleader statutes or rules may permit a bailee to protect its lien or to seek attorney’s fees and costs in the interpleader action.
1. The section enables a bailee faced with conflicting claims to the goods to compel the claimants to litigate their claims with each other rather than with the bailee. The bailee is protected from legal liability when the bailee complies with court orders from the interpleader. See e.g. Northwestern National Sales, Inc. v. Commercial Cold Storage, Inc., 162 Ga. App. 741, 293 S.E.2d. 30 (1982).
Changes for style only.
Former Section 7-603.
“Reasonable time”. Section 1-204.
“Person”. Section 1-201.
“Goods”. Section 7-102.
“Delivery”. Section 1-201.
“Bailee”. Section 7-102.
“Action”. Section 1-201.
The section enables a bailee faced with conflicting claims to the goods to compel the claimants to litigate their claims with each other rather than with him.
Consolidation without substantial change.
Sections 16 and 17, Uniform Warehouse Receipts Act; Sections 20 and 21, Uniform Bills of Lading Act.
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 28:7-603
What does D.C. Code § 28:7-603 cover?
Section 28:7-603 ("Conflicting claims; interpleader.") 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 § 28:7-603?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 28:7-603" (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 § 28:7-603 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.