What is a tortious interference with contractual relations?
Tortious interference with contractual relations, or a tort of interference, is a legal concept in the state of Massachusetts that prohibits one party from interfering with another party’s contractual relationship without lawful excuse. Generally, for a plaintiff to be successful in a claim of tortious interference with contractual relations, they must show that the defendant intentionally interfered with the contractual relationship, that the interference was without legal justification, and that it caused injury to the plaintiff. Under Massachusetts law, tortious interference with contractual relations can be made out in a variety of ways. For example, it could occur if one party intentionally communicates false information to another party in an effort to disrupt their contractual relationship. Additionally, when one party uses threats, coercion, intimidation, or other forms of undue influence to induce a breach of contract, they can be held liable for tortious interference with contractual relations. Ultimately, tortious interference with contractual relations is a violation of Unfair Competition Law in Massachusetts. If a plaintiff is successful in their claim, a court may order the liable party to pay financial damages to the other party, as well as issue an injunction to prevent future interference.
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