Wake North Carolina Jury Instruction — 1.1.1 Public Employee First Amendment Claim Discharge — Failure to Promote Free Speech on Matter of Public Concern is a crucial legal instruction provided to the jury during a trial in Wake County, North Carolina. This instruction specifically addresses cases involving public employees who claim they were discharged or faced adverse employment actions for exercising their right to free speech on matters of public concern. Here are some relevant keywords to understand this instruction better: 1. First Amendment: Refers to the first amendment of the United States Constitution, which guarantees the freedom of speech. 2. Public Employee: A person employed by a government entity or a public agency, including federal, state, or local governments, schools, universities, etc. 3. Claim: An assertion made by the public employee regarding a violation of their constitutional rights. 4. Discharge: The termination of employment or being fired from a job. 5. Failure to Promote: Occurs when an individual is overlooked for a promotion or denied advancement opportunities within their workplace. 6. Free Speech: The right to express opinions, ideas, or concerns without government censorship or repression. 7. Matter of Public Concern: Refers to issues, topics, or discussions that are of relevance to the public or relate to public affairs, policies, or conditions. 8. Wake North Carolina: Represents the geographical jurisdiction in which this particular jury instruction is applied. Different types or variations of Wake North Carolina Jury Instruction — 1.1.1 Public Employee First Amendment Claim Discharge — Failure to Promote Free Speech on Matter of Public Concern may include: 1. First Amendment Retaliation: When a public employee claims retaliation for exercising their right to free speech on matters of public concern. 2. Adverse Employment Action: Refers to any negative action taken by an employer against an employee, such as termination, demotion, denial of promotion, or other negative employment consequences. 3. Qualified Immunity: A legal doctrine that may protect government officials, including employers, from personal liability if their actions did not violate clearly established constitutional rights. 4. Balancing Test: The jury is instructed to balance the public employee's right to free speech against the employer's legitimate interest in maintaining efficiency, discipline, or preventing disruption within the workplace. 5. Public Employee's Burden of Proof: The level of proof required for the public employee to succeed in their claim, usually to demonstrate that their speech was a substantial or motivating factor in the adverse employment action taken against them. It is essential for the jury to understand and apply this specific instruction accurately while considering the evidence and arguments presented in the case to reach a fair judgment.