"Whistleblowing" is revealing wrongdoing to the public or to someone in a position of authority. There are several reasons why the decision of an employee to inform on illegal or unethical practices—to blow the whistle—should be carefully considered before taking action:

• If the wrongdoing involves a future planned action, is it certain to happen and what would be the extent of the harm?
• If wrongdoing has already occurred, is there absolute certainty that illegal or unethical practices took place?
• Is it in the public's best interest to reveal the wrongdoing?
• Have you allowed the company executives in the chain of command the opportunity to correct the wrongdoing?
• Under what conditions is whistleblowing the right thing to do and when is another course of action more constructive?

Conflicting personal, organizational and civic loyalties can make deciding whether or not to blow the whistle an agonizing endeavor. Consulting the legal advice and expertise of an attorney experienced in employment and other related legal areas can assist you in judging whether legal action is warranted. At Johnson a Monteleone, L.L.P., we offer a free consultation to assist you regarding your concerns. Call (208) 331-2100 to arrange an appointment with one of our attorneys.