Head v. The University was a case heard by the United States Supreme Court in 1873. The case involved a dispute between the University of Mississippi and a former professor, Dr. William Head. Head had been hired by the University in 1854 to teach mathematics and natural philosophy. In 1856, the University dismissed Head without cause and refused to pay him the salary he was owed. Head sued the University in the Circuit Court of the United States for the Northern District of Mississippi. The Circuit Court found in favor of Head and awarded him the salary he was owed. The University appealed the decision to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the Circuit Court. The Court held that the University was liable for the salary owed to Head, as the University had no legal right to dismiss him without cause. The Court also held that the University was liable for the costs of the suit, as it had acted in bad faith by refusing to pay Head the salary he was owed. The Court's decision in Head v. The University established that employers must have a valid reason for dismissing an employee and must pay the employee the salary they are owed. This decision has been cited in numerous subsequent cases involving wrongful dismissal.

In the case of Head v. The University, Justice Field delivered a dissenting opinion in which he argued that the plaintiff was entitled to recover damages for his injury due to negligence on behalf of the defendant. He noted that although there were no express contracts between them, it was clear from their relationship and actions that an implied contract existed whereby the university had agreed to use reasonable care when dealing with its students. Furthermore, he argued that even if this agreement did not exist, common law principles would still entitle Head to recovery since universities owe a duty of care towards their students and are liable for any injuries caused by their negligence or wrongful acts. As such, Justice Field concluded that Head should be allowed to recover damages from The University as compensation for his injury.