Arizona Jury Instruction — 1.1.1 Public Employee First Amendment Claim Discharge — Failure To Promote Free Speech On Matter Of Public Concern is a legal guideline that pertains to cases involving public employees who have been discharged due to the failure of their employer to promote free speech on a matter of public concern. This instruction aims to provide guidance to the jury when deliberating on such cases. Keywords: Arizona, jury instruction, public employee, First Amendment, claim discharge, failure to promote, free speech, matter of public concern. In Arizona, public employees are protected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, which guarantees the freedom of speech. However, the First Amendment protection may not be absolute when it comes to public employees, as their speech can be subject to certain limitations depending on the circumstances. Arizona Jury Instruction — 1.1.1 focuses specifically on cases where a public employee claims that their discharge, termination, or failure to be promoted was a result of their employer's failure to uphold their right to free speech on a matter of public concern. This instruction helps the jury understand the elements that need to be proven by the plaintiff in such cases. The following elements must be established in order to find in favor of the plaintiff: 1. Employment Relationship: The plaintiff must demonstrate that there was an employment relationship between them and the defendant at the time the alleged violation occurred. This relationship typically exists when the plaintiff is an appointed or employed public servant. 2. Discharge or Failure to Promote: The plaintiff must establish that they were discharged from their employment or were denied a promotion that they were otherwise entitled to. 3. Free Speech on a Matter of Public Concern: The plaintiff must prove that their speech was of public concern. This means that their speech addressed issues of public importance rather than merely personal grievances or private matters. 4. Adverse Employment Action: The plaintiff must demonstrate that the alleged violation was a direct result of their employer's failure or refusal to promote their free speech rights on a matter of public concern. Additional types or variations of Arizona Jury Instruction — 1.1.1 Public Employee First Amendment Claim Discharge — Failure To Promote Free Speech On Matter Of Public Concern may include specific instructions pertaining to different public employee positions or levels within an organization. For example: a. Instruction for Law Enforcement Officers: This instruction could provide additional guidance specific to law enforcement officers, taking into consideration the unique challenges and responsibilities they face when speaking out on matters of public concern. b. Instruction for Educators: This instruction might focus on cases involving public school teachers or administrators, acknowledging the importance of academic freedom and the potential impact on the learning environment. c. Instruction for Healthcare Professionals: This instruction could address cases involving public employees in the healthcare sector, highlighting the balance between patient privacy/confidentiality and the right to speak out on issues affecting public health or safety. In conclusion, Arizona Jury Instruction — 1.1.1 Public Employee First Amendment Claim Discharge — Failure To Promote Free Speech On Matter Of Public Concern provides a framework for the jury to assess cases where public employees claim their employer violated their free speech rights on matters of public concern. It outlines the necessary elements required to find in favor of the plaintiff and can be tailored to the specific circumstances of different types of public employees.