Unit 8: Haddle v. Garrison

True/False: This was a simple wrongful discharge action.

False

What effect does this ruling have on Haddle's case?

Haddle wins and can proceed to go to trial and present his case

What is a 12b(6) motion?

A motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim

Suppose the defendants had moved to dismiss on the ground that Haddle had quit his job voluntarily and had not been fired, and defendants had submitted (in support of the motion) a letter signed by Haddle admitting that he quit. Why can the district court not grant a motion to dismiss under 12(b)(6)?

A motion to dismiss is based on plaintiff's claims and allegations (which are accepted as true). The court cannot consider the defendant's letter until defendant moves for summary judgment (12d)

Which of the following are true?

A. Based on a 11th circuit court of appeals precedent, the district court held that Because Morast was an at-will employee, he had no constitutionally protected interest in continued employment. Therefore, Morast's discharge did not constitute an actual injury under this statute B. The 11th circuit court of appeals affirmed the lower court's decision and granting the 12(b)(6) motion. C. The Supreme Court of the United States granted certiorari and reversed the decision of the US appeals court {D. All of the above are true}

Which of the following facts led up to the claim?

A. Haddle was an at-will employee for Healthmasters C. Haddle agreed to testify against his employer at a grand jury proceeding {F. A and C only}

The defendant argued that the allegations did not fit the statute because...

A. P's employment was at-will B. P had no property right in his job C. P was not injured under the statute D. P could be terminated for any reason {H. All above expect E}

Why is the case in federal court?

Federal question jurisdiction 42 USC 1985 (2)

Why couldn't the court disregard the ruling in Morast v. Lance?

Stare decisis

Why did the Supreme Court reverse?

The court disagreed with the substantive tort law that was applied

Why does the court dismiss the case?

The court found that the complaint failed to state a claim because being fired didn't constitute an actual injury under the statute because [Plaintiff] was an at-will employee. . . .and there is no constitutionally protected interest in continued employment for an at-will employee.

Notice the Eleventh Circuit's opinion is only three sentences long. Why do you think the court's decision was so short?

The district's decision was clearly covered by governing precedent in the same circuit

If the 11th circuit court was so quick to rule, why would the Supreme Court grant certiorari?

To decide between conflicting holdings amongst the US Courts of Appeals

True/False: Per Curiam means this is a unanimous decision issued on the merits of the court rather than by a specific judge.

True