Women fired at district court lose big verdict

CLINTON TOWNSHIP (AP) - A federal appeals court has thrown out a $2.2 million verdict in a lawsuit by three women who were fired in 2004 at a court in Macomb County. In a 3-0 decision, the court says Judge Linda Davis has immunity. The case is going back to Detroit federal court to possibly come up with a different remedy for the women. Patricia Barachkov, Nancy Englar and Carol Diehl were fired at Clinton Township District Court when Davis was chief judge. They said the firings were politically motivated and they weren't given a chance to fight their dismissals. But the appeals court says it was reasonable for Davis to believe the women could be fired at will. Attorney Deborah Gordon is disappointed. She says "it's an uphill battle for ordinary people" to challenge the government. Published: Wed, Sep 03, 2014