Nevada Jury Instruction — 1.1.2: Public Employee First Amendment Claim Discharge — Failure To Promote Political Disloyalty — Key Employee In Nevada, Public Employee First Amendment Claim Discharge — Failure To Promote Political Disloyalty — Key Employee is a legal concept that addresses the circumstances in which a public employee claims to have been wrongfully discharged or not promoted due to their political beliefs or affiliations. This specific jury instruction, 1.1.2, focuses on the situation where a key employee alleges political disloyalty as the reason for their failure to receive a promotion. The key employee doctrine recognizes that specific public employees hold positions critical to the proper functioning of an organization. These individuals are deemed essential due to their knowledge, expertise, or involvement in the decision-making process, making them pivotal to organizational success. As such, when a key employee asserts a First Amendment violation related to political disloyalty, it raises important legal considerations that a jury must assess. Under this instruction, the court directs the jury to carefully examine the evidence presented and evaluate whether the public employee's political disloyalty was a substantial or motivating factor behind their failure to receive a promotion. The jury must consider relevant factors to determine if the employer demonstrated a legitimate reason for their decision or if the promotion denial solely stems from political considerations. Importantly, the jury should establish whether political affiliation or expression played a role in the employer's decision-making process, thus violating the First Amendment rights of the employee. It is worth noting that other Nevada jury instructions may address variations of public employee First Amendment claims related to discharge or failure to promote. While Nevada Jury Instruction — 1.1.2 specifically addresses key employees asserting political disloyalty as grounds for failure to promote, instructions like 1.1.1 may pertain to general political discrimination claims, and 1.1.3 could cover demotion cases specifically. Each instruction constitutes a unique legal framework relevant to specific situations, allowing juries to deliberate based on the specifics of the case at hand. In conclusion, Nevada Jury Instruction — 1.1.2 serves as a guide for juries when evaluating claims made by public employees asserting their First Amendment rights in the context of political disloyalty. By examining the evidence presented, the jury determines if the failure to promote a key employee was motivated by their political beliefs, resulting in a violation of their constitutional rights. It is essential for the jury to carefully assess the facts and consider all relevant details to ensure a fair and just verdict.