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NORTH AMERICAN RAYON CORPORATION Plaintiff-Appellant
vs.
MARGARET C. CULPEPPER Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Employment Security and JUDY HOWELL Defendants-Appellees
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Issues:
Unemployment benefits, marijuana, random testing.
Case Summary:
North American Rayon Corporation appeals a lower court's ruling that grants unemployment benefits to Judy Howell, a former employee. Howell was terminated after she failed several mandatory drug tests. Howell contends she posted positive results in the exams because she had inhaled second-hand marijuana smoke in an employee restroom. A state review board approved Howell's application for unemployment benefits. The company appealed that ruling.
Decision of lower jurisdiction:
The Chancery Court of Carter County affirmed the board's ruling on Howell's application for benefits. The court ruled that the company failed provide evidence to support its decision to terminate Howell's employment.
Outcome:
The company loses. The Tennessee Court of Appeals affirmed the decision of the lower court.