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

Question: What’s the difference between conversion, detinue, and trespass to chattels in Ontario?

Answer: In Ontario, conversion is a civil claim for a serious wrongful interference with your ownership rights in personal property (treating it like the other person’s), detinue focuses on the refusal to return property you’re entitled to possess, and trespass to chattels covers lesser interference or damage that falls short of a full taking.  For affordable legal help assessing which claim fits your situation, evidence to gather, and possible remedies, contact Alfred Legal Services for Affordable Legal Help in Ontario.

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.