Facts

Charlotte Boswell worked at an Oakland branch of Federal Express Corp. for approximately 12 years, where she started as an entry-level employee and worked her way up to being a dispatcher. After more than a year on the job with her new manager, she quit and sued the corporation for economic and emotional damages, alleging sexual harassment, hostile work environment, constructive discharge, and retaliation under the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
The plaintiff claimed her manager often hugged and kissed his employees and that she always refused his advances, especially as he forcibly kissed her on the mouth. As a result, the manager allegedly retaliated against her, by denying her personal leave, making her work on Saturdays knowing she needed that day for her special needs child, delaying her pay checks, criticizing her work, and withholding her final pay check.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Federal Express disputed plaintiff's allegations, arguing the manager's kissing and hugging of employees were merely friendly greetings. It further argued plaintiff had never filed a complaint before filing the lawsuit.

Damages

The plaintiff sought unspecified damages for wage loss, emotional distress and punitive damages.

Result

The jury awarded plaintiff $3 million for all causes of action.

Deliberation

3.5 hours

Poll

8-0 (all issues)

Length

six days