Introduction 

• Trespassing to goods constitutes a direct act causing damage to goods through seizure or removal.  
• This tort is actionable per se, meaning no proof of actual damage is required for legal action. 

Essential Elements 

• Direct injury and damage. 
• Plaintiff must have actual or constructive possession. 
• Legal right to immediate possession at time of trespass. 
• Recent cases suggest necessity to prove intention or negligence. 

Notable Case Laws 

• G.W.K. Ltd. v. Dunlop Rubber Co. Ltd., (1926): 
  • Established removal of vehicle parts as trespass. 
•  Kirk v. Gregory, (1876): 
  • Sister-in-law held liable for moving jewelry despite good intentions. 
•  National Coal Board v. Evans, (1951): 
  • Established knowledge requirement for liability. 

Key Principles 

Possession v. Ownership 

• Trespass is primarily a wrong against possession. 
• Possessors can maintain their actions regardless of ownership. 
• Trespassers cannot acquire ownership rights through trespass. 

Joint Ownership 

• As established in Jacob v. Seward (1872), joint owners can maintain trespass action against co-owners in cases of ouster. 

Legal Defences 

Trespass may be justified under: 

• Exercise of legal rights. 
• Legal process. 
• Defence of person or property. 
• Reasonable necessity. 

Conversion 

• Conversion involves willful interference without lawful justification with another's property in a manner inconsistent with their rights. 

Types of Conversion 

• Wrongful Taking. 
• Wrongful Parting with Goods. 
• Wrongful Sale. 
• Wrongful Retention. 
• Wrongful Destruction. 
• Denial of Owner's Rights. 

Legal Remedies 

Trespass Remedies 

• Damages based on: 
  • Value of goods. 
  • Amount of injury. 

Conversion Remedies 

• Damages: 
  • Based on market value at time of conversion. 
  • Special damages where applicable. 
•  Re-delivery Options: 
  • Delivery with consequential damages. 
  • Alternative payment of goods' value. 
  • Damages alone. 

 Distinction Between Trespass and Conversion 

Conclusion 

This analysis demonstrates the complex interplay between trespass to goods and conversion in tort law. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for legal practitioners in properly categorizing and pursuing appropriate remedies for interference with goods.