SHANDS V. CITY OF KENNETT
993 F.2d 1337 (8th Cir. 1993)
NATURE OF THE CASE: Shands (Ps) in their action under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 appeal from a
judgment notwithstanding the verdict entered by the district court in favor of City (D).
FACTS: Ps were part time volunteer firemen with D. A new full time chief was hired and
there was tension amongst the ranks. A part time position was vacant and the new chief put
forward a candidate. Ps were upset because of the purchase of what they considered used
equipment by the new chief that they considered unsafe and that the new part time firemen
should have been an employee or the utility company so they could quickly disconnect gas and
electric lines without waiting for a utility employee to show. P spoke to a Councilman
behind the new chief’s back. Ps made their complaints against the new chief. The Council
voted to hire the chief’s pick. The chief discovered the problems and dismissed Ps. Their
dismissal letters stated that they had been discharged for acts of insubordination and
misconduct. The next day seventy-five percent of the Kennett firemen walked out in protest
of the discharges. After a big to do in the local papers and at a Council meeting, the
Council clarified the terms of firing in that Ps were not dismissed for any criminal acts or
acts of moral turpitude; it was just for personnel matters. Ps filed this action under 1983
for termination in violation of their First Amendment rights and deprived of a liberty
interest without Due Process of law. Ps got the verdict but the court granted a motion for
judgment notwithstanding the verdict. Ps appealed.
ISSUE:
RULE OF LAW:
HOLDING AND DECISION:
LEGAL ANALYSIS:
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