Legal Definitions - Mercantile Law

Definition: Mercantile Law, also known as commercial law, refers to the set of laws that govern the transactions and disputes of individuals and businesses involved in commerce. This includes activities such as buying and selling goods, financing, merchandising, and using negotiable instruments. The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) is a set of laws adopted in all 50 states that codifies these commercial laws and overlaps with contract and property law.

• A company selling products to customers and handling payments would need to follow mercantile law.
• A bank providing loans to businesses would need to follow mercantile law.
• A business using a promissory note to secure financing would need to follow mercantile law.

These examples illustrate how mercantile law applies to various commercial activities. Businesses must follow these laws to ensure fair and legal transactions with their customers and partners. The UCC provides a standardized set of rules that businesses can follow across all states, making it easier to conduct commerce across state lines.