Fired juror's employer to appear in court or face arrest

[Rose Siding]

A federal judge today ordered an employer who fired a juror in the middle of a fraud trial to appear in court to explain himself or face arrest.
....
For a judge to haul an employer to court is uncommon, Lopez said. Jurors are usually fired after completing jury service and the judge is never aware of it, he said.

Labor attorney Linda Headley said federal law holds employers liable for loss of wages and benefits and a fine of $1,000 per violation. Employers can also be forced to reinstate employees and be ordered to provide "other appropriate relief."

The law allows the court to appoint an attorney so a fired juror can sue the employer, but the judge can impose penalties under the law as well, Lopez said.

"If it's brought to the attention of the court and the court wanted to act on it, there's no limitation on the judge," he said.

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/front/3119837

[efhmc]

1. I am so happy to see someone stand up to a tyrannical employer who

disobeyed the law. Guess which party I think the employer belongs to?

[lenidog]

4. I wouldn't make that sweeping generalization

I have met just as many scumbag Dems in my time as I have Republicans. Being a scumbag does not recognize race, creed, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or politcal part.

[efhmc]

6. Did not make a "sweeping generalization". I ventured a guess as to that

particular person. Could be right. Could be wrong. It is known as an opinion.

[bluestateguy]

2. Sounds like an activist judge to me

Legislating from the bench!

[NYC]

3. Another instance:

Headley recalled that Hittner threatened an employer with contempt several years ago for firing a juror, and the juror was reinstated.

[BillZBubb]

5. Those liberal judges can't keep making laws from the bench.

Delay needs to set that judge straight. Maybe Cornyn can whup his ass, Texas style. No judge should be able to harm a business--it might cost jobs!

[lonestarnot]

7. Wooooohoooo Honorable Hitner! Who da JUDGE! n/t