Case Analysis of Quinn v Leathem

Quinn v Leathem [1901] AC 495, is a case on economic tort and is an important case historically for British labour law. It concerns the tort of "conspiracy to injure.” The case was a significant departure from previous practices, and was reversed by the Trade Disputes Act 1906. This short paper presents the facts and judgment of Quinn v Leathem and its outcome in the environment. Furthermore it also states the economic evaluation of the case. In this case Quinn's appeal was dismissed because the Court determined that his conspiracy to unjustly and deliberately convince Leathem's own workers and customers to stop working for/buying from him was actionable only if damage was proven. The case conveys that while people can gather lawfully (even if it harms others' interests), it becomes illegal if the gathering is exclusively for the purpose of inflicting harm to another. Any deliberately committed infringement of someone's legal rights (whether contractual, tortious, or otherwise) with no explanation or justification is liable in tort.