This is the intentional or negligent interference of goods in possession of the plaintiff. This tort protects a party interest in goods with regard to retention their physical condition and invariability.
Types/Forms of trespass
- Taking a chattel out of the possession of another
- Moving a chattel
- Contact with a chattel
- Directing a missile to a chattel
Rules/Requirements of the Tort
- The trespass must be direct
- The plaintiff must be in possession of the chattel at the time of interference
- The tort is actionable per se
-
- Plaintiff’s consent
- Necessity
- MistakeThe principal remedy is a monetary award in damagesDefenses
Remedies:
- Damages: Monetary compensation for the harm or damage caused by the trespass.
- Injunction: A court order preventing the defendant from continuing or repeating the trespass.
- Ejectment: An order requiring the defendant to leave the plaintiff’s property.
- Recovery of personal property: If the trespass involved interference with personal property, the plaintiff may seek the return of the property or compensation for its value.