A discussion of the economic impact on employers of wrongful discharge litigation by former employees addresses the types of damages a plaintiff may receive, remedies, deductions from front pay, reinstatement, punitive and exemplary damages, injury to professional reputation, constructive discharge, and attorney's fees. (MSE)

Principals and other educators fear litigation over defamation. Defamation means an injury to character or reputation by false, malicious statements, whether by printed words (libel) or by spoken words (slander). To constitute defamation, the words must be actionable, defamatory, refer to the plaintiff, and be communicated to others. If the words…