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

Question: What are conversion, detinue, and trespass to chattels in Canadian law?

Answer: These torts are legal mechanisms addressing wrongful possession or interference with personal property, other than land, to protect ownership rights. Conversion involves unauthorized possession or use, detinue is about recovering wrongfully detained property, and trespass to chattels concerns direct interference with another's possessions. Understanding these civil actions helps safeguard proprietary interests and ensure rightful ownership and use. Seeking professional support can effectively resolve these issues—contact Civil Litigations Paralegal Services to address your legal matters today.

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.