Re: Not stolen property
Actually, it is the law, not just a "moral obligation." If you find someone's dropped wallet in the street, it is up to you whether you do the *legal* thing and give it back or pocket it. If the owner eventually finds out that you kept the wallet even though you knew it did not belong to you, and that you had no intention of returning it, you may get arrested.
You see, you are not obligated to take responsibility of it, but if you do, you must then endeavor in a reasonable manner to find the owner, including reporting the goods to the local police or sheriff.
Here, learn about how we really live in the Human World:
http://www.animallaw.info/statutes/stuscacivil_2080_2082.htm#s2080
Here are some relevant bits:
"If the owner is unknown or has not claimed the property, the person saving or finding the property shall, if the property is of the value of one hundred dollars ($100) or more, within a reasonable time turn the property over to the police department of the city or city and county, if found therein, or to the sheriff's department of the county if found outside of city limits, and shall make an affidavit, stating when and where he or she found or saved the property, particularly describing it."
"The police department or sheriff's department may sell such property by public auction, in the manner and upon the notice of sale of personal property under execution, if it is a thing which is commonly the subject of sale, when the owner cannot, with reasonable diligence, be found"
Here's another interesting one:
http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/cacode/PEN/3/1/13/5/s485
CAL. PEN. CODE § 485 : California Code - Section 485:
"One who finds lost property under circumstances which give him knowledge of or means of inquiry as to the true owner, and who appropriates such property to his own use, or to the use of another person not entitled thereto, without first making reasonable and just efforts to find the owner and to restore the property to him, is guilty of theft."
Just because something "feels right" in your head does not make it true.
-dZ.