Breach of contract, evidence

Pete Vigil, a former employee of Tierra Del Sol Housing Corporation, appeals a lower court's ruling in his suit against the non-profit corporation. The company terminated Vigil's employment after he criticized its use of federal in a letter to government officials. A company personnel committee reversed the termination order. The corporation's board of directors rejected the committee's ruling and terminated Vigil's employment. Vigil subsequently filed suit, claiming a breach of employment contract. The corporation responded with a motion to dismiss.

A trial court granted the corporation's motion to dismiss. The court ruled Vigil failed to adequately state his complaint. An appeals court heard Vigil's appeal but affirmed the lower court's ruling. Vigil now appeals.

Vigil wins. The New Mexico Supreme Court reversed the lower court's ruling. The supreme court remanded the case for consideration of Vigil's breach of contract complaint. The supreme court ruled the lower court erred in its reading of Vigil original claim.