A security interest arises when, in exchange for a loan, a borrower agrees in a security agreement that the lender (the secured party) may take specified collateral owned by the borrower if he or she should default on the loan. A security interest also provides the secured party with the assurance that if the debtor bankrupts, he or she may be able to recover the value of the loan by taking possession of specified collateral instead of receiving only a portion of the borrower's property after it is divided among all creditors. See Bankruptcy.
Security agreements are contracts. Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code governs security interests in personal property. It has been adopted, with some modifications, by every state. A security agreement must comply with other state laws governing contracts. See Contracts.
Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code covers most types of security agreements for personal property that are both consensual and commercial. See § 9-102(2) and § 9-104 of the code. This includes fixtures, personal property that is "fixed" to real property such as a water heater. Statutory liens (e.g. a mechanic's lien) are generally not governed by Article 9 but by the individual statute that creates them.
See §§ 9-102(2) & 9-310 of the code. Article 9 contains a statute of frauds which requires a security agreement to be in writing unless it is pledged. See § 9-203(1) of the code. A pledged security agreement arises when the borrower transfers the collateral to the lender in exchange for a loan (e.g., a pawnbroker). The "perfection" of a security agreement allows a secured party to gain priority to the collateral over any third party. To perfect a security agreement, the filing of a public notice is usually required. See §§ 9-302 - 9-305 of the code.
Article 9 also provides for the resolution of conflicts if there are multiple security interests or liens on specific collateral. See §§ 9-310 - 9-316 of the code. Part 5 of Article 9 deals with the procedures to be followed when a borrower defaults. See §§ 9-501 - 9-507 of the code.
Uniform Commercial Code Locator by State.
Examples and Explanations for Secured Transactions by 
The Glannon Guide to Secured Transactions 3e by 
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LAW 2500 Secured Transactions
Credit Hours: 3
A study of the law governing the creation, perfection, and enforcement of security interests in personal property under Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code. Analysis of the special problems arising from use of specific types of collateral, including documents of title under Article 7. Special developments affecting consumer debtors. Emphasis is placed on understanding the ongoing changes in the official text of the UCC and on proper drafting of the security agreement.
To find materials on Secured Transactions, consult the Law Library catalogue under following subject headings:
A Short and Happy Guide to Secured Transactions by 
Personal Property Security Law by