Branti v. Finkel

445 U.S. 507 (1980)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

The Rockland County Public Defender was appointed by the County Legislature for a term of six years. He, in turn, appointed nine assistants who serve at his pleasure. Branti's predecessor was a Republican who was appointed by a Republican-dominated County Legislature. As soon as Branti, who was a Democrat, was appointed, he got rid of six assistants because they were not Democrats. The District Court found that Finkel and Tabakman had been selected for termination solely because they were Republicans.