Which of the following best defines 'wrongful discharge'?

The correct definition of 'wrongful discharge' refers specifically to a violation of employment laws that occurs during the termination of an employee. This means that if an employee is fired in a manner that violates their legal rights—such as firing based on discrimination, retaliation for whistleblowing, or not following the established procedures outlined in an employment contract—this action qualifies as wrongful discharge.

Unlike the other options, which may describe legitimate or acceptable reasons for termination, this choice captures the essence of wrongful discharge by emphasizing the illegality of the act itself. For instance, termination based on job performance issues, company restructuring, or termination for cause with proper documentation are generally acceptable practices, assuming they do not violate any employment law or contractual obligation. In contrast, wrongful discharge directly implicates illegal actions taken by the employer during the termination process, which is what the question seeks to identify.