Jacobsen v. Garzo

The issues presented in this appeal involve three tort claims and their interrelationships. The case requires us to more clearly define the tort of abuse of process. It also calls upon us to examine the relationships among that tort, the tort of malicious prosecution and tortious interference with contract.

Defendant had previously filed a lawsuit against the Stowe Board of Adjustment, its administrative officer, and plaintiff. In that action, he sought an order in the nature of mandamus to compel the board of adjustment and its administrative officer to enforce a zoning bylaw against…