Interference With Belongings: Conversion, Detinue, and Trespass to Chattels

Question: What are the differences between conversion, detinue, and trespass to chattels?

Answer: Understanding these torts is essential for protecting your property rights and ensuring fair ownership practices, as they each address wrongful possession and interference in distinct ways.

Understanding Conversion, Detinue, and Trespass to Chattels

Tortion misconduct related to personal property, meaning property that is other than real property being land, encompasses rights and responsibilities around possession and ownership.  In the context of the torts of conversion, of detinue, and of trespass to property, as civil law causes of action (reasons for suing) being the legal mechanisms for addressing wrongful possession or wrongful interference.  Recognizing the nuances of these torts is necessary to the safeguarding of proprietary interests and to ensuring rightful ownership and use of property.