What Does Replevin Mean?

Full Video Transcript

Replevin is a historic form of remedy that is a legal action to recover property. Replevin actions are common when an owner of an automobile has defaulted on their loan. Originally, the remedy was meant to return only the item or items that were illegally taken. However, over time, the action was extended to include items that may not have been wrongfully taken but were withheld from the owner nonetheless. If the original goods are not recoverable, a court may choose to enter a judgment for an amount of money to be given to the owner whose property was taken. In a replevin action, the plaintiff must first serve papers alleging ownership or a claim to the property in question. They must also post a bond in the amount of the property value or twice that in some jurisdictions. Subsequently, the sheriff will seize the property and then deliver it to the plaintiff to possess until a hearing resolving the ownership claim this held.