Opinion ID: 882451
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Did the District Court err in granting summary judgment on Kenyon's wrongful discharge claim?

Text: Kenyon's wrongful discharge claim based on a failure to follow the County's written personnel policies was not addressed in respondents' motion for summary judgment. Respondents first mentioned the personnel policies in their final brief in support of their motion for summary judgment and only in the context of their immunity argument. Following the District Court's grant of summary judgment based partially on good cause, Kenyon sought to preserve her wrongful discharge claim based on a failure to follow written personnel policies by way of a motion to alter or amend the judgment. At the hearing on the motion, Kenyon was denied the opportunity to enter into evidence written personnel policies of the County which she asserted were in force and effect at the time of her termination. As the parties moving for summary judgment, respondents bore the burden of establishing that no genuine issues of material fact existed and that they were entitled to a judgment as a matter of law on Kenyon's wrongful discharge claim. Their only argument on that claim was that they were entitled to judgment as matter of law by virtue of § 2-9-111, MCA, immunity. The court rejected that argument. Respondents did not adequately raise or address the facts relating to the claim of wrongful discharge based on a failure to follow written personnel policies in their motion for summary judgment; therefore, they did not meet their burden on this issue. It is clear from the record of the hearing on Kenyon's motion to alter or amend, and from the parties' arguments on appeal, that disputed issues of material fact exist relating to Kenyon's wrongful discharge claim. The parties argue the existence of different written personnel policies applicable to Kenyon's termination. This dispute goes to the very heart of her wrongful discharge claim. Due to the manner in which the proceedings unfolded in the District Court, this fundamental dispute has not been properly addressed by the parties or that court. We hold that the District Court erred in granting summary judgment on Kenyon's wrongful discharge claim.