>They are within their rights not to give you a good recommendation. In California, when it comes to past employee recommendations, employers are protected if

>They are within their rights not to give you a good recommendation. In California, when it comes to past employee recommendations, employers are protected if a statements are based on "credible evidence and made without malice." So yes they can give a bad recommendation but if it's bad just because they're upset it could be considered defamation.