Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: United States Copyright Office
Forcible detainer is when someone keeps something that doesn't belong to them, even though they know it's not theirs. They might use threats or violence to keep it. It's like when someone takes your toy and won't give it back, even though it's yours.
Forcible detainer is when someone wrongfully keeps possession of property that they were originally allowed to have. This is often done through threats or actual violence.
For example, if a landlord tries to evict a tenant without following the proper legal procedures, and the tenant refuses to leave, the landlord may use force or threats to try to remove the tenant. This would be considered forcible detainer.
Another example could be if someone breaks into a home and refuses to leave, even though they have no legal right to be there. If they use force or threats to stay, this would also be considered forcible detainer.
These examples illustrate the definition of forcible detainer because in both cases, someone is wrongfully keeping possession of property through the use of force or threats. This is illegal and can result in legal consequences for the person committing the forcible detainer.