Noonan worked for Staples, the office supply store company. It has a Code of Ethics for employees. One provision states: "We expect you to keep accurate records and reports..
We do not permit.false or misleading entries in the company's books or records for any reason." Noonan was fired for padding expense accounts. The company had the right to fire him, but it also denied him any severance benefits that he would otherwise have received.
Is it proper for a company to deny such a benefit for an employee for a violation of its Code of Ethics? [Noonan v. Staples, Inc., 556 F.3d 20 (2009)].