Fisher v. Jackson

118 A.2d 316 (1955)

Facts

It is alleged that D through his authorized agent-induced P to give up his employment with a firm of bakers where he was making $50 per week for $40 per week as a reporter under an oral contract that the employment would be for the life of P or until he was physically unable to work. P would also get a yearly increase in salary of $5 per week. P was hired in January 1944 and worked until January 7, 1949. The contract negotiations began by notice in a trade magazine by D. The ad set forth that D was looking for a permanent employee to be a reporter, an all-around newsman with experience in several beats and an educational background that would stand up in a University city. P wrote to D in response to the ad and was interviewed by D and hired. The managing editor who was the only other party to the interview is now deceased at the time of trial. D contends that there is no evidence that the parties agreed to such a contract. D contends that the job was a permanent one rather than for a definite term and was terminable at will by either party. P got the verdict and D moved to set it aside on the ground that it was not supported on the issue of liability. The trial court refused. D appealed.