Study each of the following cases carefully. Briefly state the principle of law and your decision.
E-mail Michael A. Smith was a regional operations manager for the Pillsbury Company. In this capacity, he regularly used the company’s e-mail server. The company regularly assured its employees that all e-mail communications would remain confidential and privileged. While at home, Smith then exchanged e-mail messages with his supervisor. Pillsbury read these e-mail messages, claimed that they were inappropriate and unprofessional, and terminated Smith’s employment. Smith brought a lawsuit for wrongful termination, and Pillsbury requested that it be dismissed. Will the court allow Smith’s lawsuit to proceed, or will the case be dismissed? [ Smith v. Pillsbury, C.A. No. 95-5712 (Pennsylvania)]
Principle of Law:
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Decision:
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