What constitutes trespass to chattels?

Trespass to chattels is a legal term that refers to the intentional interference with a person's lawful possession of a chattel, which is a tangible personal property item. The key aspect here is the intentionality and the effect of the interference on the plaintiff’s right of possession. Therefore, intentionally interfering with a plaintiff's right of possession accurately captures the essence of trespass to chattels.

When a person intentionally disrupts another's use or possession of a chattel—even if the disruption is temporary—it can support a claim for trespass to chattels. This interference can include damaging the property, taking it without permission, or even using it in a way that deprives the owner of its use, provided it meets the requirement of intentional action.

In contrast, allowing the plaintiff to use their chattel freely would not constitute trespass because it does not involve any interference. Similarly, sharing the chattel with another person does not involve the interference that is required to establish a claim, as long as the sharing does not infringe on the possessor's rights. Lastly, using the chattel without permission could involve trespass to chattels, but it is the interference aspect that is key in the definition, emphasizing intentional actions against the right