Wrongful civil proceedings arise when legal processes are allegedly used without proper justification or for an improper purpose, causing harm to the party targeted. Within intentional torts law, these claims balance access to courts against protection from abusive litigation. A lawsuit may be lawful in form yet wrongful in motive or foundation. Questions of probable…

Abuse of process arises when a party employs lawful court procedures for an objective the law does not permit. In intentional torts law, identifying the abuse of process elements is essential because legitimate litigation tactics may become actionable when deliberately distorted. Unlike a claim based merely on an unfounded lawsuit, abuse of process focuses on…

Civil litigation depends on parties using judicial procedures for legitimate ends. When a lawful tool is used to pressure, coerce, or obtain a collateral advantage, the abuse of process tort may provide a basis for civil liability. Unlike a claim focused on initiating an unfounded lawsuit, abuse of process concerns the wrongful use of process…

The malicious prosecution tort provides a civil remedy when a person is subjected to legal proceedings initiated or continued without proper justification and for an improper purpose. It occupies an important place within intentional torts law. Because litigation must remain accessible to legitimate claimants, these cases require careful analysis. Courts commonly examine favorable termination, probable…