Conversion

Pronunciation: kun-VER-zhun

Torts › Against Property

Definition

Intentional exercise of dominion or control over plaintiff's personal property that so seriously interferes with plaintiff's right of possession as to justify requiring defendant to pay full value of the chattel. Distinguished from trespass to chattels by severity and duration of interference. Defendant's good faith or mistake about ownership provides no defense. Remedy is damages equal to chattel's full fair market value at time of conversion, effectively forcing a sale.

Related terms

• Trespass to Chattels — Intentional interference with plaintiff's possessory interest in personal property causing harm. Less serious than conversion. Requires: (1) intent…
• Trespass to Land — Intentional physical invasion of another's real property without permission. Requires only intent to enter the land, not intent…
• Intent Requirement — For intentional torts, defendant must intend the act and resulting contact, confinement, or invasion - not necessarily the…
• Reasonable Mistake as to Chattels — Mistaken belief about ownership or right to possess chattels is no defense to intentional torts to property. Even…

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