Juan O. Chaves v. H. C. Johnson, Jr.

Summary

The court held that Johnson's statements characterizing Chaves as inexperienced and his fees as excessive were nonactionable opinions and affirmed the judgment setting aside the defamation damages. It held, however, that the evidence supported the jury's finding that Johnson intentionally and improperly interfered with Chaves's existing, non-terminable-at-will contract, and it reinstated the $70,000 actual-damages award on that count. Justice Compton, dissenting in part, would have affirmed the judgment in all respects because Johnson was not liable for interference with Chaves's contract rights.