Desert Palace, Inc. v. Costa

539 U.S. 90 (2003) Supreme Court of the United States 2003-06-09

civil; jury verdict for employee after mixed-motive instruction, reinstated by CA9 en banc; certiorari by employer on whether direct evidence is required for a (m) instruction (result: claimant-won)

Facts

  1. 2 Protected trait: race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy/abortion), or national origin satisfied conceded
    Respondent was the only woman in this job and in her local Teamsters bargaining unit.