Home > West's Encyclopedia of American Law > Wrongful Discharge

An at-will employee's CAUSE OF ACTION against his former employer, alleging that his discharge was in violation of state or federal antidiscrimination statutes, public policy, an implied contract, or an implied COVENANT of GOOD FAITH and fair dealing.

At COMMON LAW, an employment contract of indefinite duration can be terminated by either party at any time for any reason. The United States is the only major industrial power that maintains a general employment-at-will rule. Since the 1950s, however, many courts have allowed discharged at-will employees to bring suits alleging wrongful discharge from employment.

An at-will...