Both the necessity and the effect of recordation rest solely on statute. The recording of deeds and other instruments affecting the title to land is purely a system of legal institution, and not of common right or abstract justice. At common law in Engl

Both the necessity and the effect of recordation rest solely on statute. The recording of deeds and other instruments affecting the title to land is purely a system of legal institution, and not of common right or abstract justice. At common law in England, there was no system of registration, and the rule between claimants of the same title was found in the maxim 'prior in temporare potior est in jure.' At an early date in the country, however, to obviate frauds arising out of secret conveyances, statutes were enacted in the several jurisdictions requiring the registration of conveyances in order to render them valid as against subsequent bona fide purchasers.