What is Employment Law in Oregon?
Map courtesy of Geology.com except where noted.
The state of Oregon is located in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. Oregon has a very rich geographic make-up, with many natural resources and pristine scenery. Thus, the state has some of the nation's strongest pro-environment laws and anti-urban growth policies. These are enforced in efforts to preserve the state's natural environment as the state economy expands.
Oregon is the only state in the U.S. where postal voting is the only method allowed for citizens to vote. The state pioneered voting by mail in 1998 and influenced many other U.S. areas that use postal voting. Also, in 1994 Oregon became the first state to establish state-wide health care through the Oregon Health Plan. In addition to its environmental laws, these developments have made Oregon a pioneer in terms of legal innovations.
There are many types of courts in Oregon, including the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and a variety of minor courts. Most Oregon lawsuits begin at the Circuit Court level. One of the most famous cases in U.S. law, Philip Morris USA v. Williams, originated in the state of Oregon. The Philip Morris case set precedents for claims involving large punitive damage awards, as the plaintiff was issued an award for $79.5 million.
Lawyers in Oregon focus on legal issues that can be quite specific to the region. Oregon laws contain regulations not found elsewhere in the U.S., but an experienced Oregon lawyer can provide expert advice on the state's laws. Attorneys in Oregon provide counsel and representation for clients with legal issues.
Find a Employment Attorneys and Law Firms in the Largest OR Cities
At-Will and Contract Employment
Most job relationships in Oregon 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. If the employer and employee are working according to an employment contract, Oregon employment law will govern the various clauses contained in the contract.
The Law of Discrimination in Oregon
The laws of the state of Oregon 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. Oregon's laws describe certain classes of people, which employers may not discriminate against. These categories can include gender, age, race, religion, disability, and national origin. Determining what types of employer actions are considered discrimination can be subject to dispute. There are many lawyers in Oregon who specialize in employment discrimination.
