Ohio Jury Instruction — 1.1.2 Public Employee First Amendment Claim Discharge — Failure To Promote Political Disloyalty — Key Employee: This Ohio jury instruction pertains to public employees who allege they were discharged or denied a promotion due to their political disloyalty. The instruction guides the jury in assessing whether the actions of the employer violated the First Amendment rights of the employee. Under this instruction, a key element of the claim is the determination of the employee's status as a key employee. A key employee refers to individuals who hold influential positions or have a substantial impact on policymaking. The handling of this type of claim requires a careful examination of the employee's role within the organization. In such cases, the jury is tasked with evaluating the evidence presented to determine whether the employer acted based on the political disloyalty of the employee, resulting in the denial of a promotion or termination. Relevant keywords for this instruction include: 1. Political Disloyalty: The employee's alleged failure to align with or support the political views or affiliations desired by the employer. 2. First Amendment Rights: Refers to the constitutional protection of free speech, political expression, and association granted to individuals, including public employees. 3. Discharge: The termination or dismissal of the employee from their position within the public agency or organization. 4. Failure to Promote: The employee's claim that they were denied advancement opportunities within the organization due to their alleged political disloyalty. 5. Key Employee: A central figure within the organization who has a significant influence on policymaking or holds a position of high importance. 6. Relevant Evidence: Information, testimonies, documents, or any other material presented during the trial that supports or disputes the employee's claim of political disloyalty-based discharge or failure to promote. It is important for the jury to carefully consider the facts and circumstances of the employee's claim, evaluate witness testimonies, review relevant policies and guidelines within the organization, and analyze any proof or lack thereof of political bias or motive. Different types of Ohio Jury Instruction — 1.1.2 Public Employee First Amendment Claim Discharge — Failure To Promote Political Disloyalty — Key Employee may arise depending on the specific nature of the case or the nuances of the evidence presented. It is crucial for the jury to pay attention to the specific instructions provided by the judge and adapt their evaluation accordingly. Overall, this jury instruction aims to provide guidance for fair and unbiased evaluation of claims made by public employees who assert their discharge or failure to promote was based on political disloyalty, ensuring the protection of their First Amendment rights.