Which elements are required to establish tortious interference with contracts in Georgia?

To establish tortious interference with contracts in Georgia, it is essential to demonstrate three key elements: the existence of a valid contract, the knowledge of that contract by the third party, and intentional interference with that contract.

A valid contract serves as the foundation for the claim; this means that all necessary elements of a contract—offer, acceptance, and consideration—must be present. The second element, knowledge, indicates that the party accused of interference must be aware of the contract's existence. Finally, intentional interference requires that the third party acted with the desire to disrupt the contractual relationship or did so with reckless disregard for the consequences.

While other choices mention aspects such as damages or agreements, they do not encompass the fundamental requirements set forth in Georgia law. For instance, a verbal agreement or mutual agreement does not suffice without establishing the existence of a valid contract, and actual damages are a result of the interference rather than a required element for proving the interference itself. Hence, the selected option correctly reflects the necessary components to prove tortious interference with contracts in Georgia.