Pennsylvania Jury Instruction — 1.1.1 Public Employee First Amendment Claim Discharge — Failure To Promote Free Speech On Matter Of Public Concern In Pennsylvania, the First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects the freedom of speech, even in the context of public employment. A public employee has the right to engage in speech on matters of public concern, and it is unlawful for their employer to discharge or fail to promote them based on the content of such speech. This jury instruction, 1.1.1, specifically deals with public employee claims related to the failure to promote or discharge based on the failure to promote free speech on a matter of public concern. When considering cases under this claim, it is crucial to understand the elements involved. The instruction provides guidance on the following key points: 1. Public Employee: The claimant must be a public employee, meaning they work for a government entity or agency. 2. Free Speech: The claimant must have engaged in speech, which is generally protected by the First Amendment. This includes expressing opinions, raising concerns, or discussing matters that are of public interest or concern. 3. Matter of Public Concern: The speech in question must involve a matter of public concern, rather than solely addressing private matters or personal grievances. 4. Failure to Promote or Discharge: The employer must be accused of either failing to promote the claimant or discharging them based on their speech. 5. Causal Link: The claimant must demonstrate a causal connection between their speech and the employer's decision not to promote or their discharge. It's important to note that there may be different variations or related instructions under Pennsylvania Jury Instruction 1.1.1, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Some potential variations or additional instructions could include: — Retaliation: If the employee faced adverse employment actions, such as demotion or reassignment, as retaliation for their speech. — Balancing Test: Courts might apply a balancing test to determine whether the speech involved a matter of public concern and if the employer's interest in efficient operation outweighed the employee's speech rights. — Qualified Immunity: Government officials, including employers, may claim qualified immunity if they reasonably believed their actions were lawful or if the law was not clearly established at the time of the incident. Public employee First Amendment claims related to the failure to promote free speech on matters of public concern can be complex. Proper jury instruction plays a vital role in guiding the jurors' understanding of these claims, ensuring a fair evaluation of the case based on relevant legal principles.