2.4.2 Causation

• Jurisdiction: Arizona

The inducement to breach the existing contractual relation requires proof of "purposeful" or "intentional causation."[fn139] There must be some active participation by the defendant in causing the interference; passive inactivity does not suffice.[fn140] The inducement to breach the contractual relationship must originate with the defendant, not with the other party to the contract.[fn141] The Court of Appeals in Middletonv. Wallichs Music andEntertainment Co. expressed the causation requirement in the context of who initiates the breach as follows:[fn142]

The mere fact that Wallichs Music City contracted with the lessor with knowledge of the existence of the restrictive covenant and its possible breach by lessor in entering into the subsequent lease with Wallichs, is not, according to the better view, the equivalent of improper inducement. See Wolfv. Perry, 65 N.M. 457, 339 P.2d 679 (1959); Zelinger v.Uvalde Rock Asphalt Co.,316 F.2d 47 (10th Cir. 1963).

Restatement of...