Opinion ID: 1140705
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Tortious Interference with Contractual Relationship

Text: The plaintiffs next argue that Ketzler wrongfully interfered with the contractual relationship they enjoyed with Saint James School. As discussed above, Ketzler enjoys immunity from the plaintiffs' other claims pursuant to § 6-5-336, Ala.Code 1975. However, because the plaintiffs' claim of a tortious interference with a contractual relation is based on the intentional conduct of the tortfeasor, we will address the merits of this claim. In order to establish a prima facie case of intentional interference with a business or contractual relationship, there must be proof of each of the following: `(1) The existence of a contract or business relation; (2) the defendant's knowledge of the contract or business relation; (3) intentional interference by the defendant with the contract or business relation; and (4) damage to the plaintiff as a result of the defendant's interference.' McCluney v. Zap Prof'l Photography, Inc., 663 So.2d 922, 925 (Ala.1995) (quoting Utah Foam Prods., Inc. v. Polytec, Inc., 584 So.2d 1345, 1352-53 (Ala.1991)). See Waddell & Reed, Inc. v. United Investors Life Ins. Co., 875 So.2d 1143 (Ala.2003), for a detailed discussion of the elements of this tort. The plaintiffs have failed to present any evidence indicating that Ketzler intentionally interfered with the contractual relationship they had with Saint James School. At best the evidence indicates that Ketzler was notified of the existence of the photographs by Bell; that he was present during the meetings with the parents of three of the students; and that he may have questioned some of the parents in a accusatory manner. Nothing indicates that Ketzler coerced or mandated that Bell expel the students from Saint James School. Accordingly, the trial court's summary judgment is affirmed as to this issue.