Conversion
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States · John Bouvier · 1839
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
torts, is the turning or applying the property of another to one’s own use. Whena party takes away or wrongfully assumes the right to goods which belong to another, it will in general be sufhcient evidence of a conversion; but when the original taking was lawful, as when the party found the goods, and the detension only is illegal, it is absolutely necessary to make a demand of the goods, and there must be a refusal to deliver them before the conversion will be complete.
1 Ch. Pr. 566; 2 Saund. 47 e, note; 1 Ch. Pl. 179; 6 Bac. Ab. 679; 1 Com. Dig. 439; 3 Com. Dig. 142; 1 Vin. Ab. 236; Yelv. 174, n.; 2 East, R. 405; 6 East, R. 540; 4 Taunt. 799; 5 Barn. & Cr. 149; 8S. C. 11 Eng. C. L. Rep. 185; 3 Bl. Com. 152.