briefly describe what is a materials lien, who initiates the lien, and against who?

Hello.

First of all, I must note that Google Answers provides general
information, not professional legal advice. The information below is
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professional legal advice. If you need professional legal advice, you
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A materials lien is a lien that places the responsibility of payment
for contruction materials on the owner of the property where the
construction is being done. It is initiated by the supplier of the
materials against the owner of the property.

source:

Materials lien: "Liability for materials: Suppliers of materials and
equipment are paid by the contractor. Most states have laws that
protect suppliers so that they get paid. If the contractor defaults on
payments, the suppliers can place a lien against the owner and the
project. A lien place the responsibility of payment on the owner and
the owner must pay the suppliers even in the event that payment
covering labor and supplies was made to a contractor but the
contractor failed in turn to pay the supplier."
From: Page 165, 
"Ready, Set, Practice : Elements of Landscape Architecture Professional Practice"
by Bruce G. Sharky, read using "search inside" on Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0471555126/

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search strategy:
amazon.com "materials lien"

I hope this helps.

thanks thats exactly what i needed