Opinion ID: 1703077
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 27

Heading: Comments on MI 7.1

Text: 1. For simplicity, the Committee expressed the opposite characterizations, tortious or wrongful interference vs. justified or privileged interference, as improper vs. proper interference. Depending on the nature of the interference and the relations between claimant and the third party, the burden of proof on this element may be either upon claimant, to prove the interference was wrongful, or upon defendant, to prove it was justified. See Tamiami Trail Tours, Inc. v. Cotton, 463 So.2d 1126 (Fla.1985); Wackenhut Corp. v. Maimone, 389 So.2d 656 (Fla. 4th DCA 1980), review denied, 411 So.2d 383 (Fla.1981); Heavener, Ogier Services, Inc. v. R.W. Florida Region, Inc., 418 So.2d 1074 (Fla. 5th DCA 1982); Berenson v. World Jai-Alai, Inc., 374 So.2d 35 (Fla. 3d DCA 1979), disapproved on other grounds in, Tamiami Trail Tours, Inc. v. Cotton, 463 So.2d 1126 (Fla.1985). See also Restatement (Second) of Torts §§ 767 et seq. 2. MI 7.1 is intended to apply to the majority of cases where the issue to be determined is whether the defendant has intentionally interfered with a contract not terminable at will. In most such cases, there is no justification or privilege; therefore if the interference is intentional, it is likewise improper. However, in certain relatively rare factual situations, interference with a contract not terminable at will may be justified or privileged and, therefore, proper even though intentional. E.g., Restatement (Second) of Torts §§ 770 (Actor Responsible for Welfare of Another), 772 (Advice as Proper or Improper Interference), 773 (Asserting Bona Fide Claim), 774 (Agreement Illegal or Contrary to Public Policy). See generally Restatement (Second) of Torts § 767; W. Prosser, Law of Torts, §§ 129, 942-44 (4th ed.1971). In such cases, MI 7.2 may be used as a starting point for a proper charge. [7: Revised Notes and Revised Instruction on Interference With a Contract Terminable at Will or With a Prospective Business Relationship]