Necessity

Pronunciation: nuh-SES-uh-tee

Torts › Intent Tort Defenses

Definition

Privilege to commit what would otherwise be a tort when reasonably necessary to prevent greater harm. Public necessity: benefiting community, complete defense. Private necessity: benefiting individual, incomplete defense allowing trespass but requiring compensation for actual harm caused. Emergency circumstances justify interference with property rights.

Related terms

• Trespass to Land — Intentional physical invasion of another's real property without permission. Requires only intent to enter the land, not intent…
• Conversion — Intentional exercise of dominion or control over plaintiff's personal property that so seriously interferes with plaintiff's right of…
• Defense of Property — Privilege to use reasonable force to prevent or terminate trespass to land or chattels. Cannot use deadly force…

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