Conversion and Trespass to Chattel

a.       Torts of conversion and trespass to chattels both involve interference with the personal property of another

b.      Trespass to chattel involves minor interference to chattel while conversion involves serious interferences to another’s chattel

2.      ʃ 217. Ways of Committing Trespass to Chattel

a.       Trespass to chattel may be committed by intentionally:

                                                              i.      dispossessing another of the chattel, OR

                                                            ii.      Using or intermeddling w/ a chattel in the possession of another

3.      ʃ 218. Liability to Person in Possession

a.       An actor is liable for trespass to chattel if and only if:

                                                              i.      He dispossesses the other of the chattel, OR

                                                            ii.      The chattel is impaired as to its condition, quality or value, OR

                                                          iii.      The possessor is deprived of the use of the chattel for a substantial time, OR

                                                          iv.      Bodily harm is caused to the possessor, or harm is caused to some person or thing in which the possessor has a legally protected interest

4.      ʃ 222A. What Constitutes Conversion

a.       Conversion is an intentional exercise of dominion or control over a chattel which so seriously interferes w/ the right of another to control it that the actor may justly be required to pay the other the full value of the chattel

b.      The following are important in assessing the seriousness of the interference and justice in requiring the actor to pay the full value:

                                                              i.      Extent and the duration of the actor’s exercise of dominion or control;

                                                            ii.      Actor’s intent to assert a right (of control) inconsistent w/ the other’s right (of control);

                                                          iii.      Actor’s good faith;

                                                          iv.      Extent and duration of resulting interference with other’s right of control;

                                                            v.      Harm done to the chattel;

                                                          vi.      Inconvenience and expense caused to the other

5.      ʃ 226. Conversion by Destruction or Alteration

a.       One who intentionally destroys or materially alters the chattel so to change its identity or character is subject to liability for conversion

6.      Note: A conversion action seeks damages, not the return of property.

a.       View trespass to chattel and conversion as a scale….scale of severity