South Carolina § 36-7-603 - Conflicting claims; interpleader.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 36-7-603 — Conflicting claims; interpleader., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 36-7-603. Conflicting claims; interpleader.
If 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.
HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 10.7-603; 1966 (54) 2716; 2014 Act No. 213 (S.343), SECTION 2, eff October 1, 2014.
OFFICIAL COMMENT
Prior Uniform Statutory Provisions: Former Section 7-603.
Changes: Changes for style only.
Purposes:
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).
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.
Cross reference:
Point 1: Section 7-403.
Definitional Cross References:
"Action". Section 1-201.
"Bailee". Section 7-102.
"Delivery". Section 1-201.
"Goods". Section 7-102.
"Person". Section 1-201.
"Reasonable time". Section 1-205.
Editor's Note
2014 Act No. 213, SECTION 51, provides as follows:
"SECTION 51. This act becomes effective on October 1, 2014. It applies to transactions entered into and events occurring after that date."
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 36-7-603
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 36-7-603 cover?
Section 36-7-603 ("Conflicting claims; interpleader.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. 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 South Carolina § 36-7-603?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 36-7-603" (South Carolina). 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 South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 36-7-603 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina 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 South Carolina.