ABSTRACT
Whistle blowing has increased significantly in American during the last two decades. It is no accident that whistle blowing gained prominence during the last two decades which have been a period of great government and corporate wrongdoing. Laws and other measures aimed at changing the nature of organizations to prevent wrongdoing and encourage whistle blowing are equally important. There are some laws which encourage or protect whistle blowing. The Refuse Act of 1899 gives anyone who reports pollution one half of any fine that is assessed. Not only laws which forbid the release of information but agency law which governs the obligations of employees to employers seems to prohibit whistle blowing. Agency law imposes three primary duties on employees: obedience, loyalty and confidentiality. Even some people who are favorable to whistle blowing are afraid that it might become too widespread. Many people are opposed to legislation protecting whistle blowers because they believe it unwarranted interference with freedom of contract.
