Kennedy (P) was a federal civil service employee. He was discharged by his superior, Verduin, on charges that P falsely accused Verduin of attempted bribery. P was informed of the charged against him and was afforded the opportunity to respond orally, in writing and to submit affidavits. P did not respond to the substance of the charges but instead asserted that the proceedings were unlawful; he had a right to a pretermination hearing before an impartial hearing officer before he could be removed.