trespass de bonis asportatis
Noun: - A specific type of trespass: A legal action for damages brought against a person who has wrongfully taken and carried away (asported) the goods or personal property of another. It is a historical form of action for the recovery of damages resulting from the unlawful taking of chattels.
This term is used exclusively in a legal context, specifically in historical or formal discussions of common law. It describes a cause of action. - The ancient writ of trespass de bonis asportatis was a precursor to the modern tort of conversion. - The plaintiff's claim was framed as an action for trespass de bonis asportatis.
- The phrase is often abbreviated in legal writing as "trespass d.b.a.".
- It is one of several common law "trespass" writs, distinguished from (for entering land) and (with force and arms).
- Trespass (noun): In law, a wrongful act that causes injury or loss to another. More broadly, any act of wrongdoing or transgression.
- Conversion (noun): The modern tort that largely supersedes trespass de bonis asportatis, involving the wrongful interference with another's personal property.
- Trover (noun): Another historical common law action for the recovery of damages for the wrongful taking of personal property.
- Action for wrongful taking of goods
- Action for trespass to chattels (in its specific, asportation sense)
This term has a single, highly specific legal meaning. It is an archaic term not used in modern legal pleading but remains relevant for understanding the historical development of property and tort law.
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an action brought to recover damages from a person who has taken goods or property from its rightful owner
