Estate of Frank L. Roach, Plaintiff-Appellant, and Katherine Boral, Plaintiff v. Trw, Inc., Defendant-Respondent…

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey reversed the Appellate Division and reinstated the jury's verdict that the plaintiff's termination violated the Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA). The Court held that CEPA sections 3a, 3e(l) and 3c(2) do not require a plaintiff to prove a public‑policy violation, only a reasonable belief of unlawful conduct. The Court also affirmed the jury's finding that the plaintiff's discharge was motivated by his protected complaints. The decision restores the award of lost wages and damages to the plaintiff's estate.