Which term refers to the unlawful exercise of control over another person's personal property to the detriment of the owner?

• A. Public nuisance
• B. Intentional nuisance
• C. Nuisance per se
• D. Conversion

Answer: (D)

Conversion is the wrongful exercise of dominion or control over someone else’s personal property in a way that deprives the owner of its use or possession. It goes beyond mere use or temporary interference and results in a substantial loss of the owner’s rights to the property, often requiring the wrongdoer to compensate the owner with the property's value at the time of the conversion. This distinguishes it from nuisance, which concerns interference with the use or enjoyment of land or property, not the control of the property itself. Public nuisance affects the public at large, while nuisance per se refers to conduct or objects that are inherently or universally considered nuisances. When someone intentionally takes, uses, or keeps another’s personal property without permission and to the owner’s detriment, conversion is the proper term.