Mackenzie v. Miller Brewing Co.
Mackenzie v. Miller Brewing Co. was a 2001 case relating to employment law. It is sometimes known as the "Seinfeld case".[1][2]
| Mackenzie v. Miller Brewing Co. | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Court | Wisconsin Supreme Court |
| Full case name | Jerold J. Mackenzie v. Miller Brewing Company and Robert L. Smith, Patricia G. Best |
| Decided | March 20, 2001 |
| Citation(s) | 2001 WI 23; 241 Wis.2d 700; 623 N.W.2d 739 |
| Case history | |
| Appealed from | Mackenzie v. Miller Brewing Co., 2000 WI App 48, 234 Wis. 2d 1, 608 N.W.2d 331 |
Background
Mackenzie was employed by Miller. His highest position was ranked "Grade Level 14". During a reorganisation in 1987 his responsibility was decreased, but he retained the same grade level. In 1989 the role was downgraded to 13, but Miller, along with others, was grandfathered. In 1992 his grade level was dropped, and he lost the right to participate in the company's equity plan, though he continued to receive the same salary. Mackenzie claimed that he was given the impression that he was looked on favourably, while in fact evidence showed that his boss thought he was unsuitable for promotion.
In 1993 a colleague complained that Mackenzie had made numerous comments about an episode of Seinfeld ("The Junior Mint"), which contained many double entendres.[3]
Mackenzie was fired for "poor managerial judgement."[2] Wisconsin is an "at will" state.
Hearing
Mackenzie claimed damages in Milwaukee, on the basis that Miller had misled him about his prospects and standing with the company, thereby inducing him to remain under its employ past the age where he could reasonably expect a successful career path elsewhere.
The jury awarded him $6.5 million for compensatory and $18 million in punitive damages.
Appeal
In a majority verdict of Charles B. Schudson and Ralph Adam Fine, the damages awarded by the trial court were partially overturned in the District I Court of Appeals.[1][2] In particular, the court decided that there was no action in tort over the company's alleged misrepresentation of Mackenzie's standing in the company. Mackenzie appealed again to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which upheld the Court of Appeals' ruling.[4]
References
- Mackenzie v. Miller Brewing Co., 2000 WI App 48, ΒΆ 18, 234 Wis. 2d 1, 17, 608 N.W.2d 331, 336.
- "Appeals court overturns 'Seinfeld' case". The Daily Reporter. Milwaukee, WI. 14 July 2000.
- Mackenzie, 234 Wis. 2d at 17 ("She said she was offended when Mackenzie commented on and later continued to discuss the show's thinly veiled references to female sexual anatomy.")
- Mackenzie v. Miller Brewing Co., 2001 WI 23, 241 Wis.2d 700, 623 N.W.2d 739.
External links
- Text of Mackenzie v. Miller Brewing Co., 2000 WI App 48, 234 Wis. 2d 1, 608 N.W.2d 331 is available from: CourtListener Google Scholar Leagle Wisconsin Courts
- Text of Mackenzie v. Miller Brewing Co., 2001 WI 23, 241 Wis.2d 700, 623 N.W.2d 739 is available from: CourtListener Google Scholar Leagle