THE LEGAL CHARACTER OF A BILL OF LADING VIS-A-VIS THE DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICABILITY OF ELECTRONIC BILL OF LADING IN SELECTED COMMONWEALTH JURISDICTIONS

Abstract

This paper examines the bill of lading and electronic bill of lading in some selected Commonwealth jurisdictions. The bill of lading is essentially the most fundamental transport document and plays a vital role in international transactions. The bill of lading is the cornerstone of international trade. This paper explores: The bill of lading and electronic bill of lading, the extent to which the electronic bill of lading has become a replacement for the to the paper bill of lading, the legal and practical challenges associated with electronic bills of lading as well as the legal position of the bill of lading and electronic bill of lading in some selected Commonwealth jurisdictions, in view of their apparent legal development between them and Nigeria. The covers the lucana in this sphere of legal knowledge and will undoubtedly be a veritable material for lawyers, judges, legal scholars, policy makers and general public. The paper utilized case law, statutes, articles from the various jurisdictions and the internet.