Business Law and the Regulation of Business 11th Edition by Richard Mann, Barry Roberts

Exercise 6

Fred Lane, who sells boats, motors, and trailers, sold a boat, motor, and trailer to John Willis in exchange for a check for $6,285. The check was not honored when Lane attempted to use the funds. Willis subsequently left the boat, motor, and trailer with John Garrett, who sold the items to Jimmy Honeycutt for $2,500. Considering the boat's quality, Honeycutt was surprised at how inexpensive it was. He did not know where Garrett had obtained the boat, but he had dealt with Garrett before and described him as a ''sly businessman.'' Garrett did not sell boats; normally; he sold fishing tackle and provisions. Honeycutt also received a forged certificate for the boat, on which he had observed Garrett forge the purported owner's signature. Can Lane compel Honeycutt to return the boat,motor, and trailer? Explain.