Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Lawful Means Conspiracy: Combination, Predominant Purpose, Overt Acts and Damage

Published by a LexisNexis Dispute Resolution expert

Practice notes

This Practice Note on the civil economic tort of lawful means conspiracy (conspiracy to injure)

sets out the essential elements of the tort: a combination or co-ordinated course of action, a predominant intention to inflict loss upon the claimant, an overt step taken in furtherance of the arrangement, and consequent damage arising. For broader guidance on civil conspiracy claims more generally (including the distinction between lawful and unlawful means) and on pleading and evidencing such claims in practice, see the following key Practice Notes:

Civil conspiracy claims (economic tort)
Unlawful means conspiracy (civil action)

Lawful means conspiracy is a civil cause of action—one of the economic torts—offering a potential remedy to those who suffer financial (economic) harm arising from the defendant’s conduct and behaviour. To make out the claim, the claimant must satisfy a set of key requirements in full. For general guidance on the economic tort claims, see: The economic torts—overview. For a comparison table highlighting the principal distinguishing features among the various economic torts, see Practice Note: Conspiracy, unlawful interference and procuring breach of contract—comparison...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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