Hughes v. Moyer

Opinion by

McDonald, J.

It is often the task of lawyers and judges to parse the meaning of language—in constitutions, statutes, contracts, documentary exhibits, or testimony. Silence may also have legal significance. This case turns on two instances of silence. In one instance, a statute tells us what it means. In the other, we must decide its significance.

This case arises out of the termination of Petitioner Laura Lynn Hughes from her job with the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (“DPSCS”). The personnel law governing an employee like Ms. Hughes requires, among other…