Trial lawyers specializing in personal injury and civil litigation
Sixth Circuit analyzes patronage exception to governmental employees' civil rights claims
The Sixth Circuit recently addressed the patronage exception to First Amendment wrongful discharge-type civil rights claims in governmental employment. The case arose out of Kenton County in Kentucky. The newly-elected County Clerk retained those employees who supported his election bid, but terminated the Chief Deputy who had not. She sued, alleging a violation of her right of free speech. The Court held that she fell within the patronage exception established under the McCloud case, and dismissed her claim.