Oakland Michigan Jury Instruction 1.1.2: Public Employee First Amendment Claim Discharge — Failure To Promote Political Disloyalty — Key Employee This particular instruction pertains to situations where a public employee asserts a First Amendment Claim after being discharged due to their alleged failure to promote political disloyalty. A key employee designation is also considered in this context. Below is a detailed description of this instruction: 1. Public Employee First Amendment Claim Discharge: This instruction addresses situations where a public employee claims they were wrongfully discharged due to their exercise of freedom of speech, which is protected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. It outlines the requirements and considerations for such claims and informs the jury about applicable legal principles. 2. Failure To Promote Political Disloyalty: In some cases, a public employee alleges that they were not promoted or faced adverse employment actions due to their political affiliations or beliefs. This instruction addresses situations where the public employee claims that their political disloyalty was the reason behind their failure to be promoted or receive favorable treatment in the workplace. 3. Key Employee: The key employee designation is an important factor to consider in this jury instruction. A key employee commonly refers to an employee who holds a critical position within an organization, and their performance and duties significantly impact the organization's operations. This instruction helps the jury understand how this designation can influence the outcome of the case in relation to the employee's First Amendment claim and potential discharge. Different types of Oakland Michigan Jury Instruction 1.1.2 Public Employee First Amendment Claim Discharge — Failure To Promote Political Disloyalty — Key Employee: While the fundamental principles of this instruction remain the same, its application may vary in different contexts. Here are some possible variations or scenarios that may warrant separate instructions: 1. Different levels of political disloyalty: The instruction might address various degrees or manifestations of political disloyalty, such as active involvement in opposing political activities versus passive non-allegiance to the employer's preferred political ideology. 2. Specific job positions: The instruction could be modified to cater to specific job positions or departments where political affiliation and loyalty are crucial factors for successful performance or public perception. 3. Disparate treatment: The instruction may differentiate between cases where the employee faced adverse treatment solely due to their political disloyalty and situations where there is additional evidence of discriminatory actions based on other protected characteristics, such as race or gender. 4. Employer's burden of proof: The instruction might vary depending on whether the burden of proof lies with the employee to show their political disloyalty significantly influenced the employer's decision or, vice versa, with the employer to demonstrate a legitimate non-political reason for the discharge. Remember that the specifics of Oakland Michigan Jury Instruction 1.1.2 Public Employee First Amendment Claim Discharge — Failure To Promote Political Disloyalty — Key Employee may vary depending on the particular case and its details. It is essential to consult the specific instructions and legal authorities provided within the jurisdiction to ensure accurate guidance during jury deliberations.