Colour of right, sometimes referred to as a claim of right, is the legal concept in common law countries of an accused's permission to the usage or conversion of an asset in the possession of another.
The concept can also refer to a right, authority or power conferred on an official by way of a relationship between various statutory or regulatory instruments, where the official is granted a position's powers without having to actually occupy the position.
Using this as a defence does not automatically guarantee an acquittal; however, it does diminish the mens rea component needed for a conviction.
Notably, the legal requirements proving colour of right differ in New Zealand than in other common law countries as a result of Hayes v R. Examples: Bram's friend lets him use his van to go to a party later that night.
Some days later, Susan sees an advertisement for someone selling her exact car which had been stolen.