Wal-Mart Stores Inc. v. Sturges

To recover for tortious interference with a prospective business relation, a plaintiff must prove that the defendant's conduct was independently tortious or wrongful.

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

The full case caption appears at the end of this opinion.

Texas, like most states, has long recognized a tort cause of action for interference with a prospective contractual or business relation even though the core concept of liability — what conduct is prohibited — has never been clearly defined. Texas courts have variously stated that a defendant may be liable for conduct that is “wrongful”, “malicious”, “improper”, of “no useful purpose”, “below the behavior of fair men similarly situated”, or done “with the purpose of harming the plaintiff”, but not for conduct that is “competitive”, “privileged”, or “justified”, even if intended to harm the plaintiff. Repetition of these abstractions in the case law has not imbued them with content or made them more useful, and tensions among them, which exist not only in Texas law but American law generally, have for decades been the subject of considerable critical commentary.

More From ALM

What are your legal peers thinking about AI? Are they comfortable using it? What are their biggest fears, and how are they approaching its regulation? Download this report, which illustrates the perspectives that will inform and offer you a competitive edge.

2024 Report: State of AI in Legal

Brought to you by Ironclad
Download Now

Unlock the secrets to mastering second request document review. This comprehensive blueprint provides actionable insights and best practices to ensure efficiency and compliance. Learn how to assemble the right team, leverage cutting-edge technology, and streamline workflows for optimal results. Access the article now to learn how to transform your document review process.

Blueprint for Successful Second Request Document Review

Brought to you by Integreon
Download Now

Unlock the secrets to boosting recruiting, productivity, and reducing turnover in 2024 with this guide. Learn the 3 R’s--Rethink, Reevaluate and Reprioritize --to enhance recruitment, productivity, and retention. Transform your workplace into a thriving environment where employees feel valued and motivated. Download the guide now and lead your firm to new heights.

Employee Happiness Playbook: The 3 R's for Business Success in 2024

Brought to you by Amazing Workplace, Inc.
Download Now

Premium Subscription

With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now

Team Accounts

Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now

Bundle Subscriptions

Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now

From Data to Decisions

Dynamically explore and compare data on law firms, companies, individual lawyers, and industry trends.

Exclusive Depth and Reach.

Law.com Compass includes access to our exclusive industry reports, combining the unmatched expertise of our analyst team with ALM’s deep bench of proprietary information to provide insights that can’t be found anywhere else.

Big Pictures and Fine Details

Law.com Compass delivers you the full scope of information, from the rankings of the Am Law 200 and NLJ 500 to intricate details and comparisons of firms’ financials, staffing, clients, news and events.

GlobeSt. Women of Influence (WOI) 2024

July 22, 2024 - July 24, 2024
Lake Tahoe, CA

GlobeSt. Women of Influence Conference celebrates the women who drive the commercial real estate industry forward.

Learn More

New York Legal Awards 2024

September 05, 2024
New York, NY

The New York Law Journal honors attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in New York.

Learn More

African Legal Awards 2024

September 06, 2024
Johannesburg

The African Legal Awards recognise exceptional achievement within Africa s legal community during a period of rapid change.

Learn More

BUSINESS LITIGATION ASSOCIATE -- WILMINGTON, DE

McCarter & English, LLP is actively seeking a midlevel associate for its business litigation practice group in its Wilmington, Delaware ...

Apply Now ›

Professor of Law - Contracts, Corporate/Business Law

Texas Tech University School of Law, Lubbock, Texas Summary Information The School of Law at Texas Tech University invites applications f...

Apply Now ›

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS ASSOCIATE

We are seeking an associate to join our Employee Benefits practice. Candidates should have three to six years of employee benefits experienc...

Apply Now ›

Lawyers of Distinction

06/27/2024
The American Lawyer

Professional Announcement

View Announcement ›

SMGQ Law

06/21/2024
Daily Business Review

Full Page Announcement

View Announcement ›

Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari

06/14/2024
New Jersey Law Journal

Professional Announcement

View Announcement ›

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. v. Sturges

To recover for tortious interference with a prospective business relation, a plaintiff must prove that the defendant's conduct was independently tortious or wrongful.

Share with Email

Thank you for sharing!

Trending Stories

More From ALM

Subscribe to Law.com