What legal term describes the act of taking someone's rightful property without permission?

The legal term that describes the act of taking someone's rightful property without permission is "conversion." In legal contexts, conversion refers to the unauthorized use, control, or management of someone else's property, effectively depriving the owner of its use. This can include situations where someone takes possession of another individual’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it or where the property is used in a manner inconsistent with the owner's rights.

In the realm of interior design, understanding conversion is pertinent, especially when dealing with client property, materials, or designs. If an interior designer were to use a client's materials or designs without permission, it could lead to a conversion claim. Therefore, recognizing and respecting the property rights of others is essential not only in legal terms but also as part of ethical professional practice in design.

The other terms listed—defamation, fraud, and libel—refer to different legal concepts. Defamation involves harming someone's reputation through false statements, fraud pertains to deception for personal gain, and libel is a type of defamation that occurs in written or published form. They do not apply to the unauthorized taking of property, which is the crux of the definition of conversion.