Nicholas Nicoletta, Plaintiff-Appellant v. North Jersey District Water Supply Commission of the State of New Jersey…

Summary

The New Jersey Supreme Court reversed the Appellate Division, holding that a public employee‑at‑will who is removed from public service has a constitutional liberty interest that triggers Fourteenth Amendment due process, requiring a post‑termination hearing with adequate notice and opportunity to be heard. The Court ordered a hearing before the Commission and declined to reinstate Nicoletta or award back pay. Justice Schreiber dissented, arguing no liberty interest exists, while Justice Pashman concurred, emphasizing the need for a limited post‑termination hearing.