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VERNON W. BUTLER Petitioner-Appellant
vs.
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR THE CITY OF CHATTANOOGA MAYOR GENE ROBERTS PAUL CLARK JIM EBERLE L. T. "TOM" KENNEDY and VICE-MAYOR JOHN FRANKLIN Respondents-Appellees
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Issues:
Random testing, marijuana, public employee, policy and procedure, Fourth Amendment.
Case Summary:
Vernon Butler, a former firefighter with the Chattanooga Fire Department, appeals a lower court's ruling that upholds his dismissal. The city terminated his employment after he tested positive for marijuana. Butler filed suit, arguing the city's policy violated his Fourth Amendment rights.
Decision of lower jurisdiction:
The Hamilton County Chancery Court upheld the city's decision to terminate Butler's employment. The court determined the city's drug testing program was constitutional. Butler now appeals.
Outcome:
Butler loses. The Tennessee Court of Appeals affirmed the decision of the lower jurisdiction. The appeals court ruled that the drug testing policy enacted by the city was not in violation of the Fourth Amendment.