Case Citation
Legal Case Name

Mitchell v. Aldrich Case Brief

Supreme Court of Vermont1960Docket #2067050
163 A.2d 833 122 Vt. 19 1960 Vt. LEXIS 95

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Case Brief Summary & Legal Analysis

General Brief
3 min read

tl;dr: Defendants allegedly interfered with plaintiffs’ contract to buy cattle by disparaging plaintiffs and offering a higher price, leading the seller to breach. The court reversed a directed verdict for defendants, finding issues of fact for the jury regarding interference and justification.

Legal Significance: This case affirms that intentional interference with existing contractual relations, even those terminable or subject to approval, is actionable. Justification for interference is an affirmative defense with the burden of proof on the defendant.

Mitchell v. Aldrich Law School Study Guide

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Case Facts & Court Holding

Key Facts & Case Background

Plaintiffs Mitchell and Albee contracted with Comette to purchase his dairy herd for $7800, paying a $100 deposit. The sale was expressly subject to the approval of Chittenden Trust Company, Comette’s mortgagee. Comette informed the bank, which requested defendant Aldrich to appraise the cattle. Aldrich was not a bank employee but occasionally performed appraisals. The bank authorized Aldrich to appraise and, if he wished, to purchase the cattle himself, but not to involve others. Plaintiffs informed Aldrich of their agreement. Aldrich then told Comette that Mitchell was difficult and would likely not pay, and that the bank would not approve Mitchell’s purchase. Aldrich and defendant Drew then offered Comette $8100, assuring bank approval. Comette, believing Aldrich represented the bank, accepted this offer. The sale to Drew was completed with bank approval. Aldrich received compensation from Drew. Plaintiffs sued for wrongful interference with their contract.

Court Holding & Legal Precedent

Issue: Did the trial court err in directing a verdict for the defendants on the claim of wrongful interference with contractual relations where evidence suggested the defendants intentionally intruded upon the plaintiffs’ agreement with the seller, and issues of fact existed regarding causation and justification?

Yes, the trial court erred in directing a verdict for the defendants. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in repreh

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IRAC Legal Analysis

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Legal Issue

Did the trial court err in directing a verdict for the defendants on the claim of wrongful interference with contractual relations where evidence suggested the defendants intentionally intruded upon the plaintiffs’ agreement with the seller, and issues of fact existed regarding causation and justification?

Conclusion

This case underscores that liability for tortious interference with contract can arise Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, q

Legal Rule

A party may be liable for wrongful interference with contract relations if Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehender

Legal Analysis

The court, citing *Lumley v. Gye*, established that the law protects existing Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exer

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Flash Summary

  • A third party can be liable for tortious interference with a
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sin

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