Detinue

Detinue is a common law tort action that arises when a person wrongfully detains or refuses to return the personal property of another person. This quiz will test your understanding of the legal principles governing detinue.

5 Questions Published

Questions

Question 1 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

What is the main element of a detinue action?

  1. Wrongful detention or refusal to return personal property
  2. Intent to deprive the owner of the property
  3. Damages suffered by the owner
  4. All of the above
Question 2 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

What is the difference between detinue and conversion?

  1. Detinue is a possessory action, while conversion is a non-possessory action.
  2. Detinue requires proof of intent to deprive the owner of the property, while conversion does not.
  3. Detinue is only available for tangible personal property, while conversion is available for both tangible and intangible personal property.
  4. All of the above
Question 3 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

What is the measure of damages in a detinue action?

  1. The value of the property at the time of the detention
  2. The value of the property at the time of the trial
  3. The highest value of the property between the time of the detention and the time of the trial
  4. The value of the property plus any special damages suffered by the plaintiff
Question 4 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

What are some defenses to a detinue action?

  1. The defendant had a lawful right to detain the property.
  2. The defendant did not intend to deprive the plaintiff of the property.
  3. The plaintiff did not suffer any damages as a result of the detention.
  4. All of the above
Question 5 Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

What is the statute of limitations for a detinue action?

  1. Three years
  2. Four years
  3. Six years
  4. It varies by jurisdiction