Opinion ID: 1198872
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Reference Requests

Text: In addition, Wisconsin Energy argues that neither Schwartz nor FMS could have been seeking a reference because neither were prospective employers. But this proposed definition of a reference is too narrow. Contractual terms are assumed to have their common meanings, and, for courts to determine these meanings, it is appropriate to look to definitions in a recognized dictionary. Just v. Land Reclamation, Ltd., 155 Wis.2d 737, 745, 456 N.W.2d 570 (Wis. 1990). As defined by this common meaning, a reference does not occur only when the recipient is a potential employer. Even the definition offered by Wisconsin Energy does not impose such a limitation. Its dictionary characterizes a reference as a statement of the qualifications of a person seeking employment or appointment given by someone familiar with the person. MERRIAM-WEBSTER COLLEGIATE DICTIONARY (11th ed.2008) (online at www. m-w.com). Although the definition identifies the giverby someone familiar with the person, like Wisconsin Energythere is no indirect object limiting a reference based on who receives the statement of the qualifications. Other dictionaries similarly omit a specific indirect object. WEBSTER'S THIRD NEW INTERNATIONAL DICTIONARY 1907 (1981) (a written statement of the qualifications of a person seeking employment or appointment given by someone familiar with his character, ability, experience, or training); XIII THE OXFORD ENGLISH DICTIONARY 465 (2d ed. 1989) (The act of referring one person to another for information or an explanation; hence, a person to whom one is ... referred for this purpose and a report produced by such a person.). These definitions show that the common meaning of a reference does not demand that the recipient be a potential employer. And, as explained above, we assume that the parties meant to give the term its common meaning when contracting. Thus, even though neither FMS nor Schwartz was seeking to employ Matthews, Wisconsin Energy could still have failed to properly respond to any request for a reference. [3]