Opinion
CIVIL NO. 1:01CV00936.
July 11, 2003.
JUDGMENT
This civil action came on for trial before the court and a jury during the session of court beginning July 7, 2003, and the issues were answered by the jury as follows:
1. Was the Plaintiff's exercise of his First Amendment rights in the meeting on September 23, 1999, a motivating factor in the Defendant's decision to terminate him?
NO
2. Was the Plaintiff's complaint about racial discrimination in the September 23, 1999, meeting a motivating factor in the Defendant's decision to terminate him?
YES
If you answer either or both of the above issues "Yes" in favor of the Plaintiff, what amount, if any, is the Plaintiff entitled to recover from the Defendant for:
1. Back pay and benefits $0 2. Compensatory damages $25,000
If you have answered Issue 1 "Yes" in favor of the Plaintiff, what amount of punitive damages, if any, is the Plaintiff entitled to recover from the Defendant individually for violation of his First Amendment rights?
$__________ (Amount)
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED AND ADJUDGED, based on the verdict returned by the jury, that Plaintiff Shepard Jones HAVE AND RECOVER of Defendant Wayne Bryant, Sheriff, in his official capacity as Sheriff of Scotland County, the sum of TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND AND NO/100's DOLLARS ($25,000.00) in compensatory damages.