What is defined as conversion in a legal context?

In a legal context, conversion refers to the wrongful exercise of dominion over another person's property or resources. This means that a person takes unauthorized control or possession of someone else's property, treating it as their own, which violates the owner's rights.

This concept encompasses situations where an individual uses or disposes of the property without permission, leading to the denial of the owner's ability to use or enjoy their property. The key aspect of conversion is that the exercise of control is not merely temporary or with consent; it is an assertion of ownership that is both wrongful and inconsistent with the rights of the original owner.

For example, if someone borrows a car and decides to use it permanently without the owner's consent, this would qualify as conversion. The owner has a legal right to pursue a claim for the return of their property or compensation for its value.

Understanding this definition helps clarify why it does not refer to mere temporary usage, destruction, or permission-based acceptance of resources, as those scenarios do not fulfill the essential legal criteria for conversion.