What is the term for an action taken to recover possession of property unlawfully detained?

The term "replevin" specifically refers to a legal action taken to recover possession of personal property that has been unlawfully taken or retained. This process allows an individual or entity to reclaim their property without having to wait for a full trial to determine ownership rights. Replevin is typically used in cases where the property in question can be specifically identified and there is a rightful claim to it.

In contrast, the other terms described in the options do not relate directly to reclaiming possession of property. Expropriation refers to the act of a government taking privately owned property for public use, typically requiring compensation. Modification generally pertains to altering existing agreements or legal documents rather than recovering property. Dispute resolution encompasses a variety of methods to resolve conflicts that might involve negotiation, mediation, or arbitration, but does not specifically address the recovery of unlawfully detained property.

Thus, replevin is the most precise legal term for the action of recovering possession of property unlawfully detained.