Wrongful Termination in Mississippi
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Mississippi follows strict at-will employment with limited exceptions for public policy violations.
How Mississippi treats Wrongful Termination
Mississippi recognizes wrongful termination only when firing violates a clear public policy, such as jury duty or military service. The state does not recognize implied contracts or good faith obligations in at-will employment relationships. Whistleblower protections exist for certain safety and legal violations but are narrowly construed. Employees must prove the firing directly violated an established public policy, not merely that it was unfair or unjust.
The general definition of Wrongful Termination
Illegal firing of an employee in violation of law, contract, or public policy.
Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee for an illegal reason or in violation of an employment contract or established public policy. Common illegal reasons include retaliation for reporting safety violations, discrimination based on race or gender, refusal to commit an illegal act, or exercising a legal right like jury duty. In most US states, employment is at-will, meaning employers can fire workers for almost any reason, but there are important exceptions. An employee who is wrongfully terminated can sue for damages, including lost wages and emotional distress.
Read the full Wrongful Termination entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Mississippi.