North Dakota Jury Instruction — 1.1.2: Public Employee First Amendment Claim Discharge — Failure To Promote Political Disloyalty — Key Employee In North Dakota, a public employee who believes they have been wrongfully discharged due to political disloyalty may file a First Amendment claim. North Dakota Jury Instruction — 1.1.2 specifically addresses this issue when the employee was denied a promotion based on political beliefs. A "key employee" is a term commonly used in labor and employment law. It refers to an employee who holds a crucial position, possesses specialized skills, or has significant responsibilities within an organization. In cases involving political disloyalty and failure to promote, this term becomes relevant to determine the extent of the employee's influence and potential impact on the organization. When litigating a First Amendment claim regarding a public employee's discharge due to political disloyalty and failure to promote, the jury must consider several key factors. These factors may include: 1. Political Affiliation: The employee must demonstrate that they have a legitimate political belief or affiliation that served as the motive for their discharge or failure to promote. This could be based on party affiliation, involvement in political activities, or expressing political beliefs. 2. Political Disloyalty: It must be established that the employee's political beliefs negatively impacted their position or duties, causing actual harm to the functioning of the organization. The employee should demonstrate that their political disloyalty directly influenced the decision to deny their promotion. 3. Key Employee Status: If the employee claims to be a key employee, the jury must assess whether their role within the organization was critical, influential, or of significant importance. This evaluation helps to determine the potential impact of the employee's political beliefs on the organization's operations. 4. First Amendment Protection: The employee must prove that their political beliefs are entitled to First Amendment protection and that their discharge or failure to promote infringed upon their rights to free speech or political expression. This protection is crucial when weighing the government's interest in promoting efficiency against the employee's right to engage in protected speech. Instances of North Dakota Jury Instruction — 1.1.2 Public Employee First Amendment Claim Discharge — Failure To Promote Political Disloyalty — Key Employee may vary, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. However, the instruction generally addresses cases where a public employee asserts a First Amendment violation due to political disloyalty resulting in denial of a promotion, specifically focusing on the employee's key role within the organization. It is essential to consult legal resources or seek advice from an attorney for accurate and up-to-date information on North Dakota Jury Instructions and specific cases involving public employee First Amendment claims.