Hello experts,

I am taking a course on Employment Law in the US. I have to answer the
following questions in a paper

"Read the following scenario:

            Little Lamb Company needs an additional programmer for a
special project.  The company enters into a contract with Mary to
complete this project.  Just as the project is nearing completion, a
new need arises for her services.  She is asked to continue with the
company to complete the new project.  While completing the new
project, the supervisor begins working more closely with Mary and
requires her to use company materials and equipment while adhering to
company work schedules.  After two years, economic conditions force
the company to make budget cuts.  Mary is asked to leave.  Thirty days
later, a major contract is acquired by the company, which reinstates
the need for Mary?s services as a programmer.  However, the supervisor
chooses to hire his equally qualified cousin and not offer Mary the
opportunity to return.

Answer the following questions based on the scenario:

a-Is Mary an independent contractor or an employee.  Describe the
factors that led to your determination.
b-Has the employer/employee relationship changed over the course of
time?  If so, how?
c-Was Mary?s release legal under the doctrine of employment-at-will? 
Why or why not?  If not, which of the following exceptions to
employment-at-will have been violated?  Why?
1.       Breach of public policy
2.       Breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing
3.       Breach of implied contract 

"

I just need some help on some links to information that can help me to
answer these questions especially that I am not a US citizen, and I
need also some key ideas that would help me get going in them

I also need some help on the following discussion questions:

1)       Is it illegal discrimination to require separate dress codes
for men and women? Can employers insist on different grooming
standards? Why or why not?
2)       What are some examples of issues of comparable worth?

And as the paper I just need help on where & how to get info for these questions...

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Clarification of Question by mohamad83-ga on 19 Nov 2005 03:30 PST

You don't have to help in answering the additional two questions.....I
need help on just the main one....and I need it ASAP

"Is it illegal discrimination to require separate dress codes
for men and women?"

Hey, if the woman in the office can wear dresses, why not the guys?

I need a more specific answer regarding Title VII of the Civil Right
Act and the fact that women are almost always in a protected class,
but men are only in a protected class when they are in something like
a minority in the place of work.