Juror Procedure-Allowance of Expert Testimony-Jury Instructions

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7^th Circuit Court of Appeals

Case Name: Randall Artis v. Adrian Santos

Case No.: 22-2619

Officials: Wood, St. Eve, and Lee, Circuit Judges.

Focus: Juror Procedure-Allowance of Expert Testimony-Jury Instructions

Artis had been previously convicted of misusing public funds for personal political purposes. Upon returning to public service as a junior clerk, he was terminated by his supervisor, Adrian Santos. Artis contended that Santos terminated him in retaliation for exercising his First Amendment right to free speech. The matter proceeded to trial, where a jury ruled in favor of Santos.

Artis lodged an appeal, contending that the district court erred in allowing the testimony of an expert witness, in denying him a fair and impartial jury, and in providing flawed and confusing jury instructions and verdict forms. Additionally, he raised doubts about the jury’s decision. The appellate court upheld the district court’s verdict, finding no errors or grounds for a retrial.

The court determined that the district court did not abuse its discretion in permitting the expert witness to testify and did not commit error in rejecting Artis’s challenge to a potential juror for cause. Furthermore, the court affirmed that the district court’s selection of jury instructions and verdict form was within its discretion. Ultimately, the court found no inconsistencies in the jury’s decision.

Affirmed.

Decided 03/08/24

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