Nebraska Jury Instruction — 1.1.2 Public Employee First Amendment Claim Discharge — Failure To Promote Political Disloyalty — Key Employee: This Nebraska jury instruction pertains to a specific type of legal claim involving a public employee's First Amendment rights in relation to political disloyalty and failure to promote. When a public employee claims that their discharge or failure to be promoted was a result of their political beliefs or affiliations, this jury instruction comes into play. A key employee, as referred to in this jury instruction, holds a crucial role within a public body or agency. This type of employee generally possesses substantial decision-making authority or exercises influence over matters of public importance. The key employee's position often impacts the organization's overall functioning and policymaking processes. The purpose of this jury instruction is to guide the jury in assessing the validity of the public employee's claim. It ensures that the jury understands the requirements and considerations that must be met when evaluating whether political disloyalty played a significant role in the discharge or failure to promote a key public employee. The instruction outlines the key legal elements that need to be established in such a claim. These elements may include: 1. Protected Speech: The public employee must demonstrate that their speech or political activities are protectable by the First Amendment. The speech may involve discussions on matters of public concern, criticism of public policies, or participation in political campaigns. 2. Adverse Employment Action: The employee must show that they suffered an adverse employment action, such as discharge or failure to be promoted, which negatively affected their employment status. 3. Causation: The employee must establish a causal connection between their protected speech and the adverse action taken by the employer. They need to demonstrate that the political disloyalty was a substantial or motivating factor in the employer's decision. 4. Balancing Test: The jury must weigh the employee's First Amendment rights against the interests of the public employer. The jury should consider factors such as the nature of the speech, the importance of the employee's position, the impact on workplace efficiency, and whether the employer had legitimate reasons for the employment action. Different variations or versions of this Nebraska jury instruction may exist due to updates, revisions, or specific case law interpretations. It is crucial for legal professionals to consult the most recent version specific to their case to ensure accuracy in representing their clients' claims. In conclusion, Nebraska Jury Instruction — 1.1.2 Public Employee First Amendment Claim Discharge — Failure To Promote Political Disloyalty — Key Employee is a comprehensive guideline for juries to evaluate claims involving a public employee's discharge or failure to be promoted based on allegations of political disloyalty. This instruction aids in ensuring the employee's constitutional rights are protected while carefully considering the interests of the public employer.