In trespass to chattels, what intent is necessary for a defendant?

In cases of trespass to chattels, the requisite intent revolves around the defendant's intention to commit the act that interferes with the plaintiff's possessory rights to their personal property, rather than an intent to cause harm to the property itself. This means that if a person takes, damages, or disposes of another's property with the intent to perform the act that results in interference, that is sufficient to establish intent for a trespass to chattels claim.

The focus of the intentionality is on the action performed—essentially, whether the defendant intended to engage in conduct that had the consequence of interfering with the rights of the owner. This does not necessitate that the defendant desired to cause harm or was aiming for a specific outcome regarding the chattel's condition. Rather, it's enough that the individual knowingly engaged in the behavior that led to interference.

This understanding ensures that individuals are held accountable for their actions affecting others' property, promoting respect for property rights even when there is no malicious intent involved. Establishing this intent allows a plaintiff to demonstrate a violation of their possessory interests in the chattel, paving the way for potential recovery of damages or restitution.