at-will rule (New Mexico) · Go Syfert
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at-will rule in New Mexico

12 New Mexico opinions name it 2 courts 1986–2005 0 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by New Mexico courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (7)

CaseFollowedCited
Kestenbaum v. Pennzoil Co.green
nm · 1988 · cited in 2 New Mexico opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
2 sentences

2001Newberry v. Allied Stores, Inc., 108 N.M. 424, 426-27 , 773 P.2d 1231, 1233-34 (1989); Kestenbaum v. Pennzoil Co., 108 N.M. 20, 24-26 , 766 P.2d 280, 284-86 (1988).

2001Newberry v. Allied Stores, Inc., 108 N.M. 424, 426-27 , 773 P.2d 1231, 1233-34 (1989); Kestenbaum v. Pennzoil Co., 108 N.M. 20, 24-26 , 766 P.2d 280, 284-86 (1988).

22
Newberry v. Allied Stores, Inc.green
nm · 1989 · cited in 2 New Mexico opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
2 sentences

2001Newberry v. Allied Stores, Inc., 108 N.M. 424, 426-27 , 773 P.2d 1231, 1233-34 (1989); Kestenbaum v. Pennzoil Co., 108 N.M. 20, 24-26 , 766 P.2d 280, 284-86 (1988).

2001Hartbarger, 115 N.M. at 669 , 857 P.2d at 780 ; Newberry, 108 N.M. at 426-27 , 773 P.2d at 1233-34.

22
Vigil v. Arzolagreen
nmctapp · 1983 · cited in 2 New Mexico opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
2 sentences

2001See id. at 687-88 , 699 P.2d at 618-19 ; Sabetay v. Sterling Drug, Inc., 69 N.Y.2d 329 , 514 N.Y.S.2d 209 , 506 N.E.2d 919, 921 (1987) (citing implied-in-fact agreements as recognition of the court’s willingness to offset the harsh effect of the at-will doctrine and to afford workers a measure of job security).

2001See id. at 687-88 , 699 P.2d at 618-19 ; Sabetay v. Sterling Drug, Inc., 69 N.Y.2d 329 , 514 N.Y.S.2d 209 , 506 N.E.2d 919, 921 (1987) (citing implied-in-fact agreements as recognition of the court’s willingness to offset the harsh effect of the at-will doctrine and to afford workers a measure of job security).

12
Sabetay v. Sterling Drug, Inc.green
ny · 1987 · cited in 1 New Mexico opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
2 sentences

2001See id. at 687-88 , 699 P.2d at 618-19 ; Sabetay v. Sterling Drug, Inc., 69 N.Y.2d 329 , 514 N.Y.S.2d 209 , 506 N.E.2d 919, 921 (1987) (citing implied-in-fact agreements as recognition of the court’s willingness to offset the harsh effect of the at-will doctrine and to afford workers a measure of job security).

2001See id. at 687-88 , 699 P.2d at 618-19 ; Sabetay v. Sterling Drug, Inc., 69 N.Y.2d 329 , 514 N.Y.S.2d 209 , 506 N.E.2d 919, 921 (1987) (citing implied-in-fact agreements as recognition of the court’s willingness to offset the harsh effect of the at-will doctrine and to afford workers a measure of job security).

11
Sheets v. Knightgreen
or · 1989 · cited in 1 New Mexico opinions naming this issue, 1993–1993
2 sentences

1993See Sheets v. Knight, 308 Or. 220 , 779 P.2d 1000 , 1008 n. 13 (1989) (at-will employee is one who has no reasonable expectation of continued employment); Wagenseller, 147 Ariz. at 381 , 710 P.2d at 1036 (discussing exception to at-will presumption as “implied-in-fact contract term” (emphasis added)).

1993See Sheets v. Knight, 308 Or. 220 , 779 P.2d 1000 , 1008 n. 13 (1989) (at-will employee is one who has no reasonable expectation of continued employment); Wagenseller, 147 Ariz. at 381 , 710 P.2d at 1036 (discussing exception to at-will presumption as “implied-in-fact contract term” (emphasis added)).

11
Wagenseller v. Scottsdale Memorial Hospitalgreen
ariz · 1985 · cited in 1 New Mexico opinions naming this issue, 1993–1993
2 sentences

1993See Sheets v. Knight, 308 Or. 220 , 779 P.2d 1000 , 1008 n. 13 (1989) (at-will employee is one who has no reasonable expectation of continued employment); Wagenseller, 147 Ariz. at 381 , 710 P.2d at 1036 (discussing exception to at-will presumption as “implied-in-fact contract term” (emphasis added)).

1993See Sheets v. Knight, 308 Or. 220 , 779 P.2d 1000 , 1008 n. 13 (1989) (at-will employee is one who has no reasonable expectation of continued employment); Wagenseller, 147 Ariz. at 381 , 710 P.2d at 1036 (discussing exception to at-will presumption as “implied-in-fact contract term” (emphasis added)).

11
Weiner v. McGraw-Hill, Inc.green
ny · 1982 · cited in 1 New Mexico opinions naming this issue, 1988–1988
2 sentences

1988See, e.g., Weiner v. McGraw-Hill, Inc., 57 N.Y.2d 458, 466 , 443 N.E.2d 441, 446 , 457 N.Y.S.2d 193, 198 (1982) (at-will rule affords no greater status than that of a rebuttable presumption and trier of fact should consider course of conduct of the parties, including the writings and antecedent negotiations); Leikvold v. Valley View Community Hosp., 141 Ariz. 544 , 688 P.2d 170 (1984) (en banc).

1988See, e.g., Weiner v. McGraw-Hill, Inc., 57 N.Y.2d 458, 466 , 443 N.E.2d 441, 446 , 457 N.Y.S.2d 193, 198 (1982) (at-will rule affords no greater status than that of a rebuttable presumption and trier of fact should consider course of conduct of the parties, including the writings and antecedent negotiations); Leikvold v. Valley View Community Hosp., 141 Ariz. 544 , 688 P.2d 170 (1984) (en banc).

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in New Mexico. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (12)

CaseCitedYears
Hartbarger v. Frank Paxton Co. green
nm · 1993
2 sentences

2001We should restate New Mexico adherence to the at-will rule and at the same time reiterate the Hartbarger admonition: "An employer does not have to issue a policy statement limiting its power to discharge, but if the employer chooses to do so and creates a reasonable expectation on the part of the employee, it is bound to fulfill that expectation." Hartbarger, 115 N.M. at 672 , 857 P.2d at 783 .

2001We should restate New Mexico adherence to the at-will rule and at the same time reiterate the Hartbarger admonition: "An employer does not have to issue a policy statement limiting its power to discharge, but if the employer chooses to do so and creates a reasonable expectation on the part of the employee, it is bound to fulfill that expectation." Hartbarger, 115 N.M. at 672 , 857 P.2d at 783 .

32001–2001
Newberry v. Allied Stores, Inc. green
nm · 1989
2 sentences

2001Newberry v. Allied Stores, Inc., 108 N.M. 424, 426-27 , 773 P.2d 1231, 1233-34 (1989); Kestenbaum v. Pennzoil Co., 108 N.M. 20, 24-26 , 766 P.2d 280, 284-86 (1988).

2001Hartbarger, 115 N.M. at 669 , 857 P.2d at 780 ; Newberry, 108 N.M. at 426-27 , 773 P.2d at 1233-34.

22001–2001
United Properties Ltd. v. Walgreen Properties, Inc. green
nmctapp · 2003
2 sentences

2005Ltd. v. Walgreen Props., Inc., 2003-NMCA-140, ¶ 19 , 134 N.M. 725 , 82 P.3d 535 (discussing limitations on the authority of a district court exercising equity jurisdiction to relieve a party from the consequences of its failure to exercise an option in accordance with the terms of a lease).

2005Ltd. v. Walgreen Props., Inc., 2003-NMCA-140, ¶ 19 , 134 N.M. 725 , 82 P.3d 535 (discussing limitations on the authority of a district court exercising equity jurisdiction to relieve a party from the consequences of its failure to exercise an option in accordance with the terms of a lease).

12005–2005
Campos De Suenos, Ltd. v. County of Bernalillo green
nmctapp · 2001
2 sentences

2004Id. ¶¶ 3,12. {16} Defendants argue that in Campos de Suenos, Ltd. v. County of Bernalillo, 2001-NMCA-043 , 130 N.M. 563 , 28 P.3d 1104 , this Court “expressly refused to extend the implied contract doctrine outside the scope of the narrow exception to the at-will doctrine recognized in Garcia.” Defendants misread our holding.

2004Id. ¶¶ 3,12. {16} Defendants argue that in Campos de Suenos, Ltd. v. County of Bernalillo, 2001-NMCA-043 , 130 N.M. 563 , 28 P.3d 1104 , this Court “expressly refused to extend the implied contract doctrine outside the scope of the narrow exception to the at-will doctrine recognized in Garcia.” Defendants misread our holding.

12004–2004
Gandy v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. green
nm · 1994
2 sentences

2001Gandy, 117 N.M. at 444 , 872 P.2d at 862 .

2001Gandy, 117 N.M. at 444 , 872 P.2d at 862 .

12001–2001
Silva v. Albuquerque Assembly & Distribution Freeport Warehouse Corp. green
nm · 1987
1 sentence

2001Because “its genesis and sole application has been in regard to employment at-will,” it is “unnecessary and inapplicable” when the employee is protected from wrongful discharge by an employment contract. 106 N.M. at 21, 738 P.2d at 515 .

12001–2001
Shovelin v. CENTRAL NM ELEC. CO-OP. green
nm · 1993
2 sentences

1996As we explained in Shovelin, “the courts interpreting New Mexico law have adhered to the rule that retaliatory discharge is a narrow exception to the rule of employment at will and have refused to expand its application.” Shovelin, 115 N.M. at 304 , 850 P.2d at 1007 . 22.

1996As we explained in Shovelin, “the courts interpreting New Mexico law have adhered to the rule that retaliatory discharge is a narrow exception to the rule of employment at will and have refused to expand its application.” Shovelin, 115 N.M. at 304 , 850 P.2d at 1007 . 22.

11996–1996
Leikvold v. Valley View Community Hospital green
ariz · 1984
2 sentences

1988See, e.g., Weiner v. McGraw-Hill, Inc., 57 N.Y.2d 458, 466 , 443 N.E.2d 441, 446 , 457 N.Y.S.2d 193, 198 (1982) (at-will rule affords no greater status than that of a rebuttable presumption and trier of fact should consider course of conduct of the parties, including the writings and antecedent negotiations); Leikvold v. Valley View Community Hosp., 141 Ariz. 544 , 688 P.2d 170 (1984) (en banc).

1988See, e.g., Weiner v. McGraw-Hill, Inc., 57 N.Y.2d 458, 466 , 443 N.E.2d 441, 446 , 457 N.Y.S.2d 193, 198 (1982) (at-will rule affords no greater status than that of a rebuttable presumption and trier of fact should consider course of conduct of the parties, including the writings and antecedent negotiations); Leikvold v. Valley View Community Hosp., 141 Ariz. 544 , 688 P.2d 170 (1984) (en banc).

11988–1988
Maxwell v. Ross Hyden Motors, Inc. green
nmctapp · 1986
2 sentences

1987In Maxwell v. Ross Hyden Motors, Inc., 104 N.M. 470 , 722 P.2d 1192 (Ct.App.1986), the court of appeals clarified its holding in Vigil by stating, “Vigil did not sound the death knell of the at-will rule.

1987In Maxwell v. Ross Hyden Motors, Inc., 104 N.M. 470 , 722 P.2d 1192 (Ct.App.1986), the court of appeals clarified its holding in Vigil by stating, “Vigil did not sound the death knell of the at-will rule.

11987–1987
Palmateer v. International Harvester Co. green
ill · 1981
2 sentences

1986In 1981, when two additional jurisdictions limited the application of the at-will rule, Palmateer v. International Harvester Co., 85 Ill.2d 124 , 52 Ill.Dec. 13 , 421 N.E.2d 876 (1981), and Adler v. American Standard Corp., 291 Md. 31 , 432 A.2d 464 (1981), New Mexico rejected the trend.

1986In 1981, when two additional jurisdictions limited the application of the at-will rule, Palmateer v. International Harvester Co., 85 Ill.2d 124 , 52 Ill.Dec. 13 , 421 N.E.2d 876 (1981), and Adler v. American Standard Corp., 291 Md. 31 , 432 A.2d 464 (1981), New Mexico rejected the trend.

11986–1986
Bottijliso v. Hutchison Fruit Co. green
nmctapp · 1981
2 sentences

1986In Bottijliso v. Hutchison Fruit Co., 96 N.M. 789 , 635 P.2d 992 (Ct.App.1981), this court upheld the applicability of the at-will rule in the worker’s compensation setting.

1986In Bottijliso v. Hutchison Fruit Co., 96 N.M. 789 , 635 P.2d 992 (Ct.App.1981), this court upheld the applicability of the at-will rule in the worker’s compensation setting.

11986–1986
Adler v. American Standard Corp. green
md · 1981
2 sentences

1986In 1981, when two additional jurisdictions limited the application of the at-will rule, Palmateer v. International Harvester Co., 85 Ill.2d 124 , 52 Ill.Dec. 13 , 421 N.E.2d 876 (1981), and Adler v. American Standard Corp., 291 Md. 31 , 432 A.2d 464 (1981), New Mexico rejected the trend.

1986In 1981, when two additional jurisdictions limited the application of the at-will rule, Palmateer v. International Harvester Co., 85 Ill.2d 124 , 52 Ill.Dec. 13 , 421 N.E.2d 876 (1981), and Adler v. American Standard Corp., 291 Md. 31 , 432 A.2d 464 (1981), New Mexico rejected the trend.

11986–1986

Statutes the citing opinions construe

NM § N.M. Stat. § 28-1-1 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

PA 69 (1985–2025) TX 43 (1986–2025) DC 26 (1991–2018) UT 22 (1989–2018) CA 22 (1988–2021) WA 21 (1989–2023) AR 20 (1983–2021) OH 19 (1986–2022) NY 17 (1983–2018) OK 17 (1987–2022) ND 16 (1987–2021) MN 14 (1983–2017) AZ 13 (1984–2001) NC 12 (1989–2011) NM 12 (1986–2005) IA 12 (1989–2024) WY 12 (1989–2010) MO 12 (1985–2020) CT 11 (1985–2016) MS 11 (1999–2023) MA 10 (1987–2025) VA 10 (1992–2016) WI 10 (1984–2023) NJ 8 (1985–2002) ID 7 (1988–2015) IN 7 (1997–2019) VT 7 (1985–2015) AL 7 (1987–2008) NV 7 (1984–2022) SD 7 (1988–2024) KY 7 (1998–2022) MD 6 (1995–2015) TN 6 (1997–2011) HI 5 (1982–2008) IL 5 (1990–2025) MI 4 (2009–2022) SC 4 (1984–2013) WV 4 (1996–2022) OR 4 (1989–2006) NE 3 (1983–1988) DE 3 (1996–2022) NH 3 (1988–2015) FL 2 (1989–1993) GA 2 (2004–2018)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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