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RICHARD J. ROBERTS Petitioner/Appellant
vs.
RAYBURN TRAUGHBER Commissioner Tennessee Department of Employment Security and FEDERAL EXPRESS CORPORATION Respondents/Appellees
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Issues:
Unemployment benefits, search, policy and procedures.
Case Summary:
Richard Roberts, a former employee of Federal Express, appeals a lower court's ruling that affirmed the state's rejection of his application for unemployment benefits. The company terminated Roberts' employment after he was discovered to be in possession of marijuana on company property. A state review board rejected Roberts' application for unemployment benefits, and he filed an appeal.
Decision of lower jurisdiction:
The Chancery Court of Shelby County affirmed the state's decision to reject Roberts' application for benefits. The court ruled that the company's policy against drugs in the workplace was clearly articulated and Roberts willfully violated the company's rules.
Outcome:
Roberts loses. The Tennessee Court of Appeals affirmed the decision of the lower jurisdiction.