What does "Bailment" refer to in Tort Law?

Bailment in Tort Law refers to the temporary transfer of possession of goods for a specific purpose while retaining ownership. In this arrangement, one party, the bailor, gives possession of the goods to another party, the bailee, who is expected to take care of the goods and return them after the purpose has been fulfilled. This legal relationship is critical in various contexts, such as when someone leaves their coat at a dry cleaner or when a person lends a book to a friend.

The essence of bailment is the understanding that the bailee must handle the goods responsibly and return them in their original condition, barring any wear and tear unless otherwise agreed. This contrasts with full ownership transfer, where rights are permanently relinquished, highlighting the temporary nature of bailment.

The other options do not accurately capture the definition of bailment. For instance, a permanent transfer or sale denotes the complete transfer of ownership rights, which is not applicable in bailment. Similarly, simply transferring goods without obligations does not lay a proper foundation for this legal concept, as bailment inherently involves certain duties of care.