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

Question: What are the differences between conversion, detinue, and trespass to chattels in Canadian tort law?

Answer: Conversion, detinue, and trespass to chattels address wrongful interferences with personal property. Conversion involves unauthorized control over another's property, effectively treating it as one's own. Detinue relates to the wrongful retention of someone else's property after a demand for its return. Trespass to chattels covers any direct damaging or interfering with another's personal property. Understanding these distinctions helps ensure rightful ownership and use of your property. For tailored advice on protecting your proprietary interests, contact Success.Legal.

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.