The modern common law classification of bailments is the three-fold classification set forth in Coggs vs. Bernard, as follows:

(1) Bailments for the sole benefit of the bailor.

(2) Bailments for the sole benefit of the bailee.

(3) Bailments for mutual benefit.

The first class includes the depositum and the mandatum of the Roman law classification. The second class includes the commodatum and the third class the pignus and the various forms of the locatio.

In bailments of the first class the bailee is only-required to use a slight degree of care, and is only liable for gross negligence.

In bailments of the second class the bailee is required to use the highest degree of care, and is liable for slight negligence.

In bailments of the third class the bailee is required to use ordinary care, and is liable for ordinary negligence.

Bailments falling under each of these three classes will be discussed separately in chapters five, six, and seven respectively. In the meantime, chapter four will be devoted to the subjects of the creation and general incidents of the bailment relation.