Conversion in United States

Conversion Definition

(Lat. eon, with, together, vertere, to turn; conversio, a turning to, with, together). In Equity. The exchange of one species of property for another, which takes place under some circumstances in the consideration of the law, although no such change has actually taken place. Land is held to be converted into money, in equity, when the owner has contracted to sell; and if he die before making a conveyance, his executors will be entitled to the money, and not his heirs. 2 Vern. 52; 1 W. Bl. 129. Money may be held to be converted into land under various circumstances; as where, for example, a man dies before a conveyance is made to him of land which he has bought. 10 Pet. (U.S.) 563; Bouv. Inst. Index. At Law. An unauthorized assumption and exercise of the right of ownership over goods or personal chattels belonging to another, to the alteration of their condition, or the exclusion of the owner’s rights. 44 Me. 197; 36 N. H. 311. A constructive conversion takes place when a person does such acts in reference to the goods or personal chattels of another as amount, in view of the law, to appropriation of the property to himself. 1 Kelly (Ga.) 381. A direct conversion takes place when a person actually appropriates the property of another to his own beneficial use and enjoyment, or to that of a third person, or destroys it, or alters its nature. 27 Mich. 454.

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Legal Issue for Attorneys

(Lat. eon, with, together, vertere, to turn; conversio, a turning to, with, together). In Equity. The exchange of one species of property for another, which takes place under some circumstances in the consideration of the law, although no such change has actually taken place. Land is held to be converted into money, in equity, when the owner has contracted to sell; and if he die before making a conveyance, his executors will be entitled to the money, and not his heirs. 2 Vern. 52; 1 W. Bl. 129. Money may be held to be converted into land under various circumstances; as where, for example, a man dies before a conveyance is made to him of land which he has bought. 10 Pet. (U.S.) 563; Bouv. Inst. Index. At Law. An unauthorized assumption and exercise of the right of ownership over goods or personal chattels belonging to another, to the alteration of their condition, or the exclusion of the owner’s rights. 44 Me. 197; 36 N. H. 311. A constructive conversion takes place when a person does such acts in reference to the goods or personal chattels of another as amount, in view of the law, to appropriation of the property to himself. 1 Kelly (Ga.) 381. A direct conversion takes place when a person actually appropriates the property of another to his own beneficial use and enjoyment, or to that of a third person, or destroys it, or alters its nature. 27 Mich. 454.

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This definition of Conversion is based on The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary. This entry needs to be proofread.

Practical Information

Note: Some of this information was last updated in 1982

The unlawful taking or possession of the chattel (in U.S. law) of another. When, for example, title to the goods has passed on a sale, but the seller has refused to deliver the goods to the buyer, the buyer may sue for conversion. Conversion may also take the form of an unauthorized destruction or alteration of another’s property.

(Revised by Ann De Vries)

What is Conversion?

For a meaning of it, read Conversion in the Legal Dictionary here. Browse and search more U.S. and international free legal definitions and legal terms related to Conversion.

Conversion in State Statute Topics

Introduction to Conversion (State statute topic)

The purpose of Conversion is to provide a broad appreciation of the Conversion legal topic. Select from the list of U.S. legal topics for information (other than Conversion).

Conversion (Party Liabilities)

This section introduces, discusses and describes the basics of conversion. Then, cross references and a brief overview about Party Liabilities is provided. Finally, the subject of Negotiable Instruments in relation with conversion is examined. Note that a list of cross references, bibliography and other resources appears at the end of this entry.

Resources

Further Reading

• Information about Conversion in the Gale Encyclopedia of American Law.