What is the affirmative defense to a charge of tortious interference with contract?

As an affirmative defense to a charge of tortious interference with contract,²⁰ a defendant may show that its actions were justified.²¹ To prove this affirmative defense of justification by legally protected interest, a defendant must show: (1) it has a legally protected interest; (2) it acted in good faith to protect that interest; and (3) it used otherwise lawful and appropriate means to protect that interest. Richardson v. La Rancherita of La Jolla, 98 Cal. App.3d 73, 81 (1979). If these elements are met, "[the

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