Korb Versus Raytheon: The Constitution and Wrongful Termination

Darryl Mitchell

Strayer University

PAD525- Constitutional and Administrative Law

August 13, 2012

Dr. Danette O’Neal

Abstract

This report reviews and analyzes individual rights afforded by the constitution and their applicability to the suit for wrongful termination in the case of Korb versus Raytheon. The specific constitutional rights under review are the freedom of speech, freedom of information and challenges associated with employment law. Lawrence Korb, a former Assistant Secretary of Defense and current employee of Raytheon, a large equipment manufacturing company for the U.S. military was terminated after making public statements criticizing defense spending and calling for a reduction of Navy’s fleet. Raytheon, a manufacturer of Navy ships terminated Korb because they viewed his comments as contrary to the success of their business operations. This report will explore the challenges presented by the freedom of speech, freedom of information and employment law and their impact on the outcome of the case.

Korb v. Raytheon Case Analysis In Korb V. Raytheon, the defendant (Raytheon) was a large equipment manufacturing company for the U.S. military. The Plaintiff, Lawrence Korb was employed by Raytheon as a Vice-President at corporate headquarters based in Washington, D.C. According to Masscases.com, in December 1985, Korb joined a non-profit organization called the Committee for National Security (CNS) in the capacity of an executive board member . Prior to this he was employed as an assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower with the Department of Defense. In 1986 a press conference held by CNC to release the organization’s annual alternative defense budget, Korb expressed sentiments that criticized defense spending and requested a reduction of