What is Employment Law in Massachusetts?
Map courtesy of Geology.com except where noted.
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Massachusetts is known as "The Bay state" and was the sixth state to join the Union. The state of Massachusetts played a major role in the historical, cultural, political, and economic development of early America. The area was settled as early as the 1630's and continues to be a model of life in the U.S.
Since its early days, Massachusetts has been influential in shaping the structure and function of the U.S. government. For example, the Massachusetts State Constitution was drafted in 1780, eight years before the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Massachusetts' Constitution is one of the oldest written constitutions still in effect in the world. Another of Massachusetts' contributions is the Mayflower Compact of 1620, which was the Pilgrim's governing document for Plymouth colony.
The Massachusetts legal system is composed of the Supreme Judicial Court at the highest level, followed by the Appeals Court, then the Superior Court Department. Beneath these courts are the District Court Department and the Boston Municipal Court Department. The state also operates a number of specific courts including the Housing, Probate & Family, and Land Courts. The Supreme Judicial Court has produced several landmark decisions that have influenced American law, such as those relating to same-sex marriage, higher education, and medical reform.
Lawyers in Massachusetts form the foundation of the state's reputation for outstanding legal services. Many Massachusetts lawyers have been involved in cases that have set the precedent for subsequent cases. Attorneys in Massachusetts handle a wide range of legal issues.
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At-Will and Contract Employment
Most job relationships in Massachusetts are on the basis of "at will" employment, but in other cases there may be an employment contract with a set term. "At will" employment implies that either the employee or the employer may end the relationship at any point, so long as the reason for the termination is not illegal. Employment laws of Massachusetts will be of primary importance in order to determine the clauses and agreements when an employment contract is used.
The Law of Discrimination in Massachusetts
The laws of the state of Massachusetts make it illegal to discriminate in any area of the employment, such as when hiring an employee, upon issuing a promotion, or when terminating the employment. Specific categories, or classes, are created by Massachusetts law. Employers are prohibited from discriminating against persons based on their membership in classes such as age, race, disability, national origin, or religion. The determination of what type of behavior is discrimination is generally a matter of some dispute, and many Massachusetts attorneys specialize in workplace discrimination.
