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trespass definition - legal

n

An illegal act committed against anotherÂ’s person or property; especially entering upon anotherÂ’s land without the ownerÂ’s permission.

n

In common law, a legal suit for injuries resulting from an instance of the first definition.

v

To enter upon property without permission, either actual or constructive. 
trespass on the case
A common-law precursor to todayÂ’s negligence, nuisance, and business torts, it was a suit to remedy injury to person or property not resulting directly from the defendantÂ’s conduct but a later consequence of same.
trespass
quare clausem fregit. See quare clausem fregit.
trespass vi et armis

Latin

Latin. With force and arms. An immediate injury, such as an assault to anotherÂ’s person or property, accompanied by force or violence.

Webster's New World Law Dictionary Copyright © 2006 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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