In New South Wales, the right to use force to recapture a chattel is limited to situations where the possessor's original possession was wrongful (e.g., trespassory taking). A person seeking to repossess a chattel from someone whose original possession was lawful (such as a hirer or bailee) cannot use force and must resort to legal process. A principal who engages independent contractors to repossess chattels is not vicariously liable for their tortious conduct unless the principal authorised or directed the tortious act.
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