Employment Law: A State-by-State Compendium (DRI-EMPSTATE) is a new database on Westlaw added on 4/30/09. An easy way to take a look at the content is to use the search recommended in scope which pulls up all of the available documents: CI(DRI-EMPSTATE)

The database contains a document for each state and the District of Columbia that answers a number of employment law questions, including those listed below. It was published in 2006, so you may need to use KeyCite to update the information. This is a great place to start any employment research as it links to relevant statutes and cases.

Is there a state antidiscrimination statute?

• If so, are damages capped
• Jury trial or not?

What types of damages are available?

Are there state-specific labor statutes or a right-to-work law?

What are the state wage-hour laws, if any?

Is there a state equivalent to FMLA?

In the public sector, is there collective bargaining?

Is the state an employment-at-will state?

What is the impact of an employment policy handbook?

Are there public policy exceptions?

Covenants not to compete?

• State statute or not?
• What are the limitations?

Is there a retaliatory discharge provision in your state’s workers’ compensation laws?

What is the law of restraint trade?

Are there whistle-blower laws?

Are there rules regarding military service and employee leave?

Are there state statutes or regulations regarding:

• Jury service and court attendance?
• Voting?
• Political rights?
• Polygraph
• Smoking?
• Rights of same-sex couples to employment benefits
• Confidentiality of personnel records
• Background checks
• Protection of social security number?
• Wiretap laws?