Wagenseller v. Scottsdale Memorial Hospital
Arizona Supreme Court
710 P.2d 1025 (1985)
An “at-will” employment contract may be terminable at any time at the will of either party, subject to exceptions: termination cannot violate public policy or a specific statutory provision, the “at will” nature of the relationship can be rebutted by evidence in the personnel policy manual, or termination cannot violate the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.
Relevant Facts
Catherine Wagenseller, employed as a nurse by Scottsdale Memorial Hospital (the hospital), was an “at-will” employee. Her working relationship with her supervisor, Kay Smith, soured following an eight-day camping trip where Wagenseller refused to engage in lewd behavior exhibited by Smith. Subsequently, Wagenseller received poor performance reviews and was terminated. She believed her termination was due to her refusal to participate in the camping activities, and sued the hospital and Smith for wrongful termination, claiming violation of public policy.
Issue
Get access to our database of over 17,000+ case briefs today. Access our issue statements for every case you'll encounter in law school for a low monthly price. The largest database on the internet is now available with Lawwly, the central legal hub. Use our case briefs to comprehend your casebook readings in seconds, to supplement your notes and outlines, and to outshine your classmates. No one has a more comprehensive case brief database than Lawwly. All of our briefs are handwritten by real legal experts and law professors and our stringent editing process ensures you'll get the best quality briefs available.
Holding & Reasoning
Get access to our database of over 17,000+ case briefs today. Access holding & reasonings for every case you'll encounter in law school for a low monthly price. The largest database on the internet is now available with Lawwly, the central legal hub. Use our case briefs to comprehend your casebook readings in seconds, to supplement your notes and outlines, and to outshine your classmates. No one has a more comprehensive case brief database than Lawwly. All of our briefs are handwritten by real legal experts and law professors and our stringent editing process ensures you'll get the best quality briefs available.
Concurrence
Get access to our database of over 17,000+ case briefs today. Access all available concurrences for every case you'll encounter in law school for a low monthly price. The largest database on the internet is now available with Lawwly, the central legal hub. Use our case briefs to comprehend your casebook readings in seconds, to supplement your notes and outlines, and to outshine your classmates. No one has a more comprehensive case brief database than Lawwly. All of our briefs are handwritten by real legal experts and law professors and our stringent editing process ensures you'll get the best quality briefs available.
Dissent
Get access to our database of over 17,000+ case briefs today. Access all available dissents for every case you'll encounter in law school for a low monthly price. The largest database on the internet is now available with Lawwly, the central legal hub. Use our case briefs to comprehend your casebook readings in seconds, to supplement your notes and outlines, and to outshine your classmates. No one has a more comprehensive case brief database than Lawwly. All of our briefs are handwritten by real legal experts and law professors and our stringent editing process ensures you'll get the best quality briefs available.
Last updated:
December 8, 2023
Judicial Opinion
Get access to our database of over 17,000 case briefs today. Our database of judicial opinions will be released soon, for free!
Procedural History
Get access to our database of over 17,000+ case briefs today. Access the entire procedural history for every case you'll encounter in law school for a low monthly price. The largest database on the internet is now available with Lawwly, the central legal hub. Use our case briefs to comprehend your casebook readings in seconds, to supplement your notes and outlines, and to outshine your classmates. No one has a more comprehensive case brief database than Lawwly. All of our briefs are handwritten by real legal experts and law professors and our stringent editing process ensures you'll get the best quality briefs available.
Citations
710 P.2d 1025 (1985)