What constitutes conversion in the context of intentional torts?

Conversion, in the context of intentional torts, refers specifically to the act of taking possession and control over someone else's property without their permission and using it as if it were your own. This unlawful control can involve depriving the owner of their property rights, such as selling, altering, or even simply holding the property without the owner's consent. The essence of conversion lies in the unauthorized exercise of dominion over another's property, leading to a significant interference with the owner's rights.

While the unauthorized selling of property can indeed represent a form of conversion, it is just a specific instance of the broader principle, which includes any assumption of control over the property. Similarly, sharing property without consent can violate ownership rights but does not meet the criteria for conversion unless it involves taking exclusive control. Destruction of property, while also a tort, falls under a different category and does not directly convey the idea of control or possession associated with conversion. Therefore, the definition aligns most closely with the act of taking and controlling someone else's property without permission.