Ex Parte Craft
Alabama Supreme Court
727 So. 2d 55 (1999)
- Written by Jennifer Flinn, JD
Facts
In May 1992, Spencer Tracy Trussell (plaintiff) was appointed dean of instruction for Ayers State Technical College (defendant). Trussell was provided with no written contract for employment and was not employed for any specified period of time. Dr. Linda Craft (defendant) was appointed interim president of the college in June 1994. In March 1995, Craft notified Trussell in writing that he was being terminated effective April 30, 1995, and that because he was a probationary employee, Trussell was not entitled to appeal the decision for a hearing before the State Board of Education. Trussell filed a lawsuit against the college, Dr. Craft, and others for wrongful termination. Trussell argued, among other things, that his employment contract could not be terminated without a hearing. The college and Dr. Craft filed motions to dismiss and for summary judgment, arguing they were entitled to absolute immunity from suit. The trial court denied the college’s and Dr. Craft’s motions. The college, Dr. Craft, and others filed a petition with the Alabama Supreme Court for a writ of mandamus to order the trial court to enter a judgment in their favor based on their immunity.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Almon, J.)
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