Shafir v. Steele

The defendant appeals from the denial of his motion for a directed verdict and motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict (judgment n.o.v.) after a jury found him liable for defamation and intentional interference with contractual relations. The evidence warranted finding the defendant liable for intentional interference with another’s performance of his own contract, a tort not heretofore expressly recognized in Massachusetts. Restatement (Second) of Torts § 766A (1979).

The defendant argues that this variation of the tort of intentional interference with a contract is not and should not…