Assignment 3: Constitutional Rights

Ashlee R. Hall

PAD 525: Constitution & Administrative Law

Dr. Lee

February 19, 2012

Lawrence J. Korb, former vice president of operations in Washington D.C. for Raytheon Corporation, was dismissed from his position for publicly expressing his views regarding the corporation’s economic interest. Freedom of speech, provided by the First Amendment, is valued with high regard but there are several instances where speech is not always protected. From a historical perspective, Korb v. Raytheon provides a precedent for competing claims between private actors for the right of free speech. This essay attempts to provide the facts of the case, the issues, and the ruling. Much emphasis is put on the challenges associated with freedom of speech, freedom of information, and employment law while the public perceptions of Raytheon and its influence with the Department of Defense plays a huge role.

FACTS, ISSUES, & RULING OF CASE

Raytheon Company was founded in Cambridge, Mass., as the American Appliance Company in 1922, a pivotal time in American history. This company predominately manufactured equipment for the U.S. military along with defense technology and training, homeland and border security, and cyber security. The plaintiff, identified as Lawrence J. Korb, was employed by Raytheon as a vice president of operations. Korb made the decision to join a non-profit organization which was named the Committee for National Security. While on his lunch break a press conference was held by the CNC with the main focus being on the annual alternative defense budget. As a result of this press conference, an article was released in the newspaper detailing Korb’s criticisms and discontentment with the defense spending. He also went on to speak about a reduction in spending in regards to a