#1 · 2026-08-07 · Legal term
Conversion
Conversion addresses serious interference with another's right to control personal property. The defendant need not know who owns it; the required intent concerns exercising dominion over the item. Lesser interference may instead be trespass to chattels.
Rule to remember
Conversion is an intentional exercise of dominion over another's personal property that so seriously interferes with the owner's control that full-value damages may be appropriate.
Key elements and checks
- The plaintiff has a possessory or ownership interest in a chattel.
- The defendant intentionally exercises dominion or control inconsistent with that interest.
- The interference is sufficiently serious to warrant full-value relief.
In the source’s words
“Conversion is not applicable to real property.”
Cornell Wex — Conversion
Distinguish trespass to chattels, which covers less serious interference. Specific remedies and the degree of required interference vary by jurisdiction.