VIDEO - Discharge in violation of public policy

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Discharge in violation of public policy.

This is a concept that's been adopted by many states, but certainly not all States. And within those states that have it there are major differences from one state to another.

Generally speaking, discharge in violation of public policy can involve one of four different scenarios.

One is refusing to violate a statute, for example, refusing to file a false tax return, or refusing to falsify a government required document.

Two would be fired for performing some duty that's required by statute such as showing up for jury duty or honoring a subpoena to go testify as a witness.

Three would be exercising a statutory right such as filing a workers compensation claim.

Four would be reporting illegal conduct by the employer — usually called whistleblowing.

There are major differences from one state to another, so you really need to understand the lay of the land in your state.