Court upholds Whistleblower Protection Act verdict but requires reduction in verdict

The Police Chief and deputy chief sued the City of Highland Park, arguing that they suffered adverse employment consequences after reporting a violation of the law by the mayor's son.  They achieved a verdict which included emotional distress damages.

The Court of Appeals allowed the verdict to stand, finding adequate evidence of a breach of the Whistleblower Protection Act, but sent the case back to the trial judge to reduce the amount of the verdict.  The high court held that the two police officers had not presented adequate evidence to support the award of emotional distress damages.  Probably they didn't cry on the stand.