Court Opinion

ID: 9669899
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-24 03:10:38.364826+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:16:01.005645
License: Public Domain

McCALEB, Justice
(dissenting from the refusal of a rehearing).
The sole issue raised in the petition for a rehearing is whether the written notice of demotion, dismissal or discrimination, essential under Article 14, § 15(N) (1) of the Constitution and also required by Rule XII of the Civil Service Commission, applies to instances in which the civil service employee has voluntarily resigned.
I am in full accord with the concurring opinion of Mr. Justice Hawthorne, being convinced that a written notice of acceptance of a resignation is unnecessary in order to effect a valid termination of employment and there is nothing in the Constitution or laws which provides for or contemplates the furnishing of such a notice. Hence, I think that a rehearing should be granted or, at least, that the erroneous view to the contrary expressed in the original opinion be corrected by a Per Curiam.
Plaintiff’s appeal to the Civil Service Commission is based on her alleged unlawful removal by her former employer, The Department of Institutions. The latter asserts that it has not discriminated against her because she voluntarily resigned her position. If this be true (and the fact can only be determined after hearing the evidence), the Civil Service Commission is without jurisdiction as its authority to hear and decide appeals taken by employees is restricted to those matters involving the legality of removal and disciplinary cases. See Section 15 (O) (1) of Article 14 of the Constitution.