Minnesota Jury Instruction — 1.1.2 Public Employee First Amendment Claim Discharge — Failure To Promote Political Disloyalty — Key Employee: In Minnesota, public employees are protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, which guarantees their freedom of speech. However, there are certain limitations when it comes to political loyalty and their discharge from employment. This particular jury instruction applies specifically to key employees who may face repercussions for their political beliefs or affiliations. Key employees play an essential role within a public agency or organization. They hold positions of significant responsibility, serving as trusted advisors or decision-makers. Due to their influential role, key employees are more likely to be held to a higher standard when it comes to political loyalty. In cases where a public employee claims they were wrongfully discharged or not promoted due to political disloyalty, this jury instruction becomes relevant. The instruction provides guidance for jurors to consider all the relevant facts and circumstances of the claim, ensuring a fair and measured evaluation of the case. Different types of Minnesota Jury Instruction — 1.1.2 Public Employee First Amendment Claim Discharge — Failure To Promote Political Disloyalty — Key Employee may include: 1. Public Employee First Amendment Claim Discharge — Failure To Promote Political Disloyalty Reemployedye— - Standard Instruction: This standard instruction outlines the general principles and factors that jurors should consider when evaluating a public employee's claim of political disloyalty leading to discharge or failure to promote. It establishes a framework for assessing whether the employer's actions were in violation of the employee's First Amendment rights. 2. Public Employee First Amendment Claim Discharge — Failure To Promote Political Disloyalty Reemployedye— - Highly Influential Position: This variation of the instruction focuses specifically on cases where the employee occupies a highly influential position within the organization. Due to the significant impact such employees have on policy decisions or public perception, the jury must closely examine whether political disloyalty played a role in their discharge or lack of promotion. 3. Public Employee First Amendment Claim Discharge — Failure To Promote Political Disloyalty Reemployedye— - Preponderance of Evidence: This type of instruction emphasizes that the burden of proof lies with the employee claiming wrongful discharge or failure to promote based on political disloyalty. It instructs the jurors to determine if the evidential weight supports the employee's claim and whether it is more likely true than not. Overall, these jury instructions aim to provide clarity and consistency in evaluating claims of public employees alleging discharge or failure to promote due to political disloyalty. By taking into account the specific circumstances and the individual's key employee status, a fair and impartial decision can be reached regarding the employee's First Amendment rights.