What qualifies as just cause for termination?

Asked by: Margarete Rowe  |  Last update: February 3, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (66 votes)

Just causes for termination are serious, documented reasons like theft, fraud, insubordination, harassment, severe policy violations (substance abuse, safety), or gross performance issues, where the employee's misconduct fundamentally breaches the employment relationship, making the employer's action legally justifiable and often preventing severance or unemployment benefits. These require solid evidence and fair procedures, unlike termination without cause (e.g., layoffs).

What is considered just cause for being fired?

An employer that fires an employee for just cause must be able to show that the employee's conduct was of such a degree that it was no longer compatible with ongoing employment. The key is that the sanction imposed (termination) must be proportional to the misconduct in question.

What are the grounds for just cause termination?

Employers can dismiss an employee based on just and authorized causes. Just causes are based on acts attributable to an employee's own wrongful actions or negligence while authorized causes refer to lawful grounds for termination which do not arise from fault or negligence of the employee.

What are the 7 tests of just cause?

The Seven Tests of Just Cause

  • Fair Notice. An employer may not discipline an employee for violating a rule or standard whose nature and penalties have not been made known. ...
  • Prior Enforcement. ...
  • Due Process. ...
  • Substantial Evidence. ...
  • Equal Treatment. ...
  • Progressive Discipline. ...
  • Mitigating and Extenuating Circumstances.

How does 'just cause' apply to firing?

When a person is terminated for just cause, it means that they have been terminated for misconduct, or another sufficient reason. A person terminated for just cause is generally not entitled to notice severance, nor unemployment benefits depending on local laws.

Top 3 things to know about Termination for Just Cause

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What are some examples of just cause?

The following are some examples that may constitute just cause:

  • Theft.
  • Dishonesty.
  • Violence.
  • Wilful misconduct.
  • Habitual neglect of duty.
  • Disobedience.
  • Conflict of interest.

Can you be fired without just cause?

That means most employers can terminate you at any time, with or without a reason. But here's the crucial part: they can't fire you for an illegal reason. And many employers use “no cause” as a smokescreen to avoid admitting to discrimination, retaliation, or other violations of California labor laws.

What are 5 fair reasons for dismissal?

The five fair reasons for dismissal under UK employment law are Conduct, Capability/Qualifications, Redundancy, Breach of a Statutory Duty/Restriction, and Some Other Substantial Reason (SOSR), each requiring a fair process, like investigation, warnings, and consultation, to avoid unfair dismissal claims. These reasons cover employee behavior, inability to do the job (skill/health), role elimination, legal constraints, and other significant business needs. 

How to prove just cause?

Proving Just Cause: Employer's Burden

An employer must establish that the employee's misconduct was so severe that it fractured the employment relationship beyond repair. This burden of proof is not an easy one to meet. The employer must first provide clear evidence of the employee's misconduct.

What is considered a just cause?

Just cause is the standard that management must adhere to when disciplining or discharging an employee. It means that in union settings, the employer must have a reason to act in disciplining an employee and the reason must be just and fair.

What are the top 5 reasons an employee is fired?

Obviously, there are some very common reasons for termination of employment, including the top ten reasons people get fired listed below.

  • Poor Work Performance.
  • Misconduct.
  • Chronic Lateness/ Absence.
  • Company Policy Violations.
  • Drug or Alcohol Use at Work.
  • Personal Use of Company Property.
  • Theft or Property Damage.

How is 'just cause' determined in court?

A Judicial Definition of Just Cause

An adverse employment action for just cause is one based on facts that 1) are supported by substantial evidence and 2) are reasonably believed by the employer to be true and also 3) is not for any arbitrary, capricious or illegal reason.

Can an employer terminate an employee immediately?

Yes, in most U.S. states, employers can terminate an employee immediately without notice due to "at-will" employment, meaning termination can happen for any reason (or no reason) as long as it's not an illegal one, like discrimination; however, immediate firing is often reserved for severe misconduct like theft, violence, or policy violations, and some states and contracts provide exceptions, while federal law prohibits discrimination and retaliation. 

What are the 5 just causes in terminating an employee?

Five common reasons for employee termination include poor work performance, misconduct (like harassment or theft), insubordination (refusing to follow orders), attendance issues (chronic lateness/absences), and violating company policy, with other major reasons being substance abuse, safety violations, or breach of confidentiality, often categorized as termination "for cause". 

What is the 3 month rule in a job?

The "3-month rule" in a job refers to the common probationary period where both employer and employee assess fit, acting as a trial to see if the role and person align before full commitment, often involving learning goals (like a 30-60-90 day plan) and performance reviews, allowing either party to end employment more easily, notes Talent Management Institute (TMI), Frontline Source Group, Indeed.com, and Talent Management Institute (TMI). It's a crucial time for onboarding, understanding expectations, and demonstrating capability, setting the foundation for future growth, says Talent Management Institute (TMI), inTulsa Talent, and Talent Management Institute (TMI). 

What are 5 automatically unfair dismissals?

Automatically unfair reasons for dismissal

family, including parental leave, paternity leave (birth and adoption), adoption leave or time off for dependants. acting as an employee representative. acting as a trade union representative. acting as an occupational pension scheme trustee.

What are the 7 steps of just cause?

These are the seven steps of just-cause discipline:

  • Reasonable Rule or Work Order. Is the rule or order that has been violated reasonably related to the orderly, efficient, and safe operation of the business?
  • Notice. ...
  • Sufficient Investigation. ...
  • Fair Investigation. ...
  • Proof. ...
  • Equal Treatment. ...
  • Appropriate Discipline.

Can my employer terminate me immediately?

Yes, in most U.S. states, employers can terminate an employee immediately without notice due to "at-will" employment, meaning termination can happen for any reason (or no reason) as long as it's not an illegal one, like discrimination; however, immediate firing is often reserved for severe misconduct like theft, violence, or policy violations, and some states and contracts provide exceptions, while federal law prohibits discrimination and retaliation. 

What's a good reason to put a reason for leaving?

Good reasons for leaving a job are positive, forward-looking, and focused on growth, like seeking more challenge, career advancement, better work-life balance, or relocating; they highlight alignment with future goals rather than negativity about the past role, focusing on growth, new skills, or organizational changes like layoffs. Frame it as a natural progression for your career, not an escape from problems, keeping it honest but constructive. 

On what grounds can you terminate an employee?

There are some situations when your employer can dismiss you fairly.

  • Not being able to do your job properly. You may not be able to do your job properly if, for example, you: ...
  • Illness. ...
  • Redundancy. ...
  • Summary dismissal. ...
  • A 'statutory restriction' ...
  • It's impossible to carry on employing you. ...
  • A 'substantial reason'

What is considered unjust dismissal?

An unjust dismissal is when an employer ends the employment of an employee for reasons that are unfair or wrong. The process described below only applies to employees and employers in federally regulated businesses. For a list of federally regulated industries, click here.

Can I terminate an employee for excessive absenteeism due to illness?

Yes, you generally can terminate an employee for excessive absenteeism due to illness, but it's legally complex and requires strict adherence to laws like the FMLA and ADA, plus consistent company policy, to avoid discrimination claims, especially if the illness qualifies as a protected disability or chronic condition. You must establish clear attendance rules, document everything, explore accommodations (like FMLA leave or ADA adjustments), and apply progressive discipline, treating termination as a last resort, not for using protected sick time. 

What to do if you get fired unjustly?

File a Complaint

You may file a complaint with: California Civil Rights Department (CRD): For discrimination or harassment claims. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): For retaliation related to safety complaints. Labor Commissioner's Office: For wage-related issues.

What am I entitled to if I get fired?

If fired, you're generally entitled to your final paycheck, potential unemployment benefits (if not for misconduct), and the right to continue health insurance (COBRA); you might also get severance if your contract or policy allows, but it's not legally required, and you have protections against discriminatory or wrongful termination. Eligibility for unemployment depends on state law and if you lost your job through no fault of your own. 

Can you be fired without a written warning?

Yes, California is an at-will employment state, which means employers can terminate employees without prior notice. But remember, even in at-will situations, firings can't be for illegal reasons like discrimination, retaliation, or violations of public policy.