Facts

Plaintiff Clara Newton submitted a job application for a staff position as a Spanish language interpreter for the defendant Riverside County Superior Court on June 30, 2004, after having been told her previous work, as an interpreter under an independent contractor basis, was no longer needed. The court rejected her application on July 14.

Newton filed suit against the court and Carol Waterhouse-Tejada, a budget analyst employee, alleging age discrimination and fraud.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Newton claimed that the court chose to hire younger interpreters and rejected her application due to her age. She further contended that, at the time she submitted her application, the court was recruiting new employees and that Waterhouse-Tejada persuaded Newton to remain an independent contractor and withdraw her application using false information.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
The court contended that it rejected Newton's application because new employment was not being recruited, which was normal practice. Waterhouse-Tejada alleged that she gave Newton accurate information without any scheme involved and that Newton made her own decision to withdraw.

Damages

Newton sought damages between $550,000 and $750,000 for past and future lost earnings, as well as emotional distress.

Result

The jury rendered a verdict in favor of the defense.

Deliberation

2.5 hours

Length

nine days