What is wrongful termination?

Wrongful termination refers to the act of dismissing an employee in a manner that infringes upon their legal rights or breaches the terms outlined in their employment contract. This type of termination may occur when an employee is fired for reasons that are discriminatory, retaliatory, or in violation of public policy, which are protected by federal, state, or local laws.

For instance, terminating an employee for filing a discrimination complaint would be wrongful because it violates anti-retaliation provisions. Additionally, if an employer fails to follow the termination procedures specified in the employee's contract, that too can constitute wrongful termination.

Other options present scenarios that do not align with the concept of wrongful termination. For example, the legal laying off of an employee for business needs is a legitimate practice provided that it adheres to laws and regulations, while firing someone with cause typically implies that the termination is justified and lawful. Legal disputes over employment contracts can emerge in many contexts, but they do not inherently indicate wrongful termination unless a specific wrongful act occurred in the termination process itself. Therefore, option B accurately captures the essence of wrongful termination by highlighting the violation of legal rights or contractual obligations.