Also known as: substantially interfere · substantially interferes · substantially interfering · substantial interferences · material interference · significant interference
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A level of disruption or impairment to a protected interest that exceeds trivial effects or reactions based on hypersensitivity. The interference must be significant enough to support liability or affect legal rights under the governing standard.
Judge Rivera issues a press release criticizing a criminal defendant's character while the trial is underway. The statement draws widespread media attention and prompts potential jurors to form negative views. The conduct creates a substantial interference with the fairness of the hearing.
The Hog Farm Partnership sprays liquid manure near a public lake and parks. Strong odors and flies repeatedly reach the recreation areas and cause nausea among visitors. The recurring effects produce a substantial interference with public comfort and convenience.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
A defamation plaintiff seeks to question the publisher about internal editorial decisions. The publisher claims a privilege that would block all direct evidence of reckless disregard. The restriction would create a substantial interference with the plaintiff's ability to prove malice.
Cyber Promotions sends thousands of unsolicited messages to CompuServe subscribers. The volume consumes server resources and disrupts normal operations. The contact amounts to a substantial interference with the possessory interest in the computer system.
Bidder’s Edge deploys bots that repeatedly query eBay listings. The activity generates incremental server costs and impairs system performance. The use produces a measurable though incremental substantial interference with eBay's possessory rights.
Maretti plans to construct a home that will shade Prah's solar panels. The obstruction will prevent Prah from using sunlight for energy collection. The interference with access to light constitutes a substantial interference with Prah's use and enjoyment of land.
The interference must be offensive, inconvenient, or annoying to an average person in the community. Effects that arise only from the plaintiff's hypersensitivity or specialized use of property do not qualify as substantial.
One factor supporting unreasonableness is whether the conduct involves a significant interference with public health, safety, peace, comfort, or convenience. Recurring odors and flies that cancel community events and cause nausea meet this threshold.
A 90-minute hold of a briefcase or carry-on bag on reasonable suspicion alone exceeds the narrow time frame permitted for an investigative detention. The extended deprivation of access and the resulting missed flight convert the detention into an unreasonable seizure.
…that the plaintiff has made a substantial investment in a solar energy system, that the defendant's proposed construction will substantially interfere with the operation of the solar energy system, that the interference will be unreasonable, and that the plaintiff will suffer substantial harm. These allegations are sufficient to state a…