Final answer:
Jerry should sue for conversion as this tort involves an act that deprives the owner of personal property without consent, which matches the scenario where Samantha refuses to return the laptop she mistakenly took.
Step-by-step explanation:
If Jerry were to commence legal action against Samantha for taking and refusing to return his laptop, his best choice would be to sue for conversion. Conversion is a civil tort that involves an unauthorized act that deprives the owner of personal property without their consent, effectively converting the property to the use of someone else. In this case, since Samantha picked up the laptop thinking it was hers and now refuses to give it back even after being confronted, Jerry could argue that she is exercising unauthorized control over his property.