North Carolina Jury Instruction — 1.1.1 Public Employee First Amendment Claim Discharge — Failure To Promote Free Speech On Matter Of Public Concern The North Carolina Jury Instruction 1.1.1 addresses the legal framework surrounding public employee First Amendment claims in cases involving discharge for failure to promote free speech on a matter of public concern. This instruction helps guide the jury in understanding the rights of public employees to engage in protected speech and the related responsibilities of their employers. Public employees are entitled to exercise their freedom of speech guaranteed by the First Amendment. However, the courts recognize that these rights must be balanced with the need for public employers to efficiently carry out their duties. Therefore, the instruction focuses on the specific circumstances under which a public employee may claim a First Amendment violation based on discharge for failure to promote free speech on a matter of public concern. Keywords: North Carolina, Jury Instruction, public employee, First Amendment claim, discharge, failure to promote, free speech, matter of public concern. Different Types of North Carolina Jury Instruction — 1.1.1 Public Employee First Amendment Claim Discharge — Failure To Promote Free Speech On Matter Of Public Concern: 1. Narrow Defamation-Related Public Concern Claim: This instruction may be used when a public employee claims discharge for failure to promote free speech on a matter of public concern related to defamation or similar issues. 2. Political Activities Public Concern Claim: This variation of the instruction is applicable when a public employee alleges discharge for failure to promote free speech on a matter of public concern associated with political activities. 3. Whistleblower Protection Public Concern Claim: This type of instruction comes into play when a public employee asserts discharge for failure to promote free speech on a matter of public concern in the context of being a whistleblower. 4. Constitutional Right Public Concern Claim: In cases where a public employee claims discharge for failure to promote free speech based on the violation of a constitutional right within a matter of public concern, this particular instruction may be utilized. 5. Public Interest Disclosure Public Concern Claim: This instruction variant may be employed when a public employee alleges discharge for failure to promote free speech on a matter of public concern associated with the disclosure of information in the public interest. Remember, each case may require a specific type of instruction based on the facts, circumstances, and claims made by the public employee involved. The North Carolina Jury Instruction 1.1.1 serves as a legal tool to ensure that the jury can appropriately consider the First Amendment rights of public employees while also considering the legitimate interests and responsibilities of public employers.