Miscellaneous

Fired for Testimony: There Oughtta Be A Law

By Anne Skove, Esq.

It makes sense: you can't be fired for reporting for jury service or being called up by the miliatary. Why should employers be free to retaliate against employees who have "subpoena duty?"

A counselor fired by a Seattle mental health group is suing his former employer and the court probation supervisor for wrongful termination and violation of his First Amendment rights.

The plaintiff performed domestic violence counseling for the mental health group. Cases were referred by the court. After the plaintiff responded to a subpoena (which is not optional), he was fired after the court threatened his employer with withholding referrals.

See Counselor Says Court Testimony Cost His Job, Mike Carter, Seattle Times (April 19, 2008).

Full post as published by court-o-rama.org on April 20, 2008 (boomark / email).