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John C. Harless
vs.
First National Bank in Fairmont, etc., et al.
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Issues:
Wrongful discharge, evidence
Case Summary:
John Harless, a former manager at the First National Bank of Fremont, appeals a lower court's ruling in his wrongful termination suit. Bank officials terminated Harless without notice. Harless appealed the decision to two senior bank officials. They reversed the termination decision and ordered Harless reinstated. He later took evidence of apparent illegal banking procedures to a member of the bank's board of directors. Bank officials subsequently terminated Harless again. Harless filed suit against the bank. Bank officials responded with a motion to dismiss.
Decision of lower jurisdiction:
A circuit court granted the bank's motion to dismiss Harless' complaint. The court questioned whether Harless' adequately stated a cause of action. Harless now appeals.
Outcome:
Harless wins. The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals reversed the lower court's decision. The appeals court concluded that Harless' complaint contained a valid cause of action.