reasonable time

What constitutes a reasonable time depends upon the circumstances of the particular case. As applied to a case like this, it means such time as is necessary conveniently to transport and make delivery of the shipment in the ordinary course of business, in the light of the circumstances and conditions surrounding the transaction.

The term is entirely relative and dependent on circumstances. "Quam longum debet esse rationabile tern,' pus non definitur in lege, sed pendet ex discretione justiciariorum." Co. Litt. 50. So much time as is necessary under the circumstances for a reasonably prudent and diligent man to do, conveniently, what the contract or duty requires should be done, having a regard for the rights and possibility of loss, if any, to the other party to be affected. 126 Ark. 38, 189 S, W. 361, Ann. Gas. 1917 E 621.

The English law, which in this respect has been adopted by us, frequently requires things to be done within a reasonable time; but what a reasonable time is, it does not define; quam longum debet esse rationabile tempus non dejinitur in lege, sed pendet ex discretione justiciariorum. Co. Litt. 50. The question of reasonable time is left to be fixed by circumstances and the usages of business. A bill of exchange must be presented within a reasonable time; Cliitty, Bills 197 202. An abandonment must be made w’itliin a reasonable time after advice received of the loss; Marsh. Ins. 589. The commercial code of France fixes a time in both these cases, which varies in proportion to the distance. See Code do Com. 1. 1, t. 8, s. 1, § 10, art. 160; id. 1. 5, t. 10, s. 3, art. 373. See Notice of Dishonor; I' rote st. Where the facts are admitted or clearly proved, what is a reasonable time is a question of law for the court depending upon all the circumstances of the case; Paine v. R. Co., 118 U. S. 152, 6 Sup. Ct 1023, 30 L. Ed. 193. It has been held that where the question of reasonable time is one affected by many different circumstances with respect to which no definite rule of law lias been laid down, it is a question for the jury; Loomis v. Supply Co., 81 Conn. 343, 71 Atl. 358 (in a sale). It is a question for the court when by a series of decisions on the same data it has been rendered certain; Hamilton v. Ins. Co., 61 Fed. 379, 9 C. C. A. 530, 22 U. S. App. 164.

Such length of time as may fairly, properly, and reasonably be allowed or required, having regard to the nature of the act or duty, or of the subject-matter, and to the attending circumstances. It is a maxim of English law that "how long a 'reasonable time' ought to be is not defined in law, but is left to the discretion of the judges." Co. Litt. 50. See Hoggins v. Becraft, 1 Dana (Ky.) 28; Hill v. Hobart, 16 Me. 168; Twin Lick Oil Co. v. Marbury, 91 U. S. 591, 23 In Ed. 328; Campbell v. Whoriskey, 170 Mass. 63, 48 N. EX, 1070.
—'Time-bargain. In the language of the stock exchange, a time-bargain is an agreement to buy or sell stock at a future time, or within a fixed time, at a certain price. It is in reality nothing more than a bargain to pay differences.

Defined under Time in Black's Law Dictionary.