Hyde v. University of Michigan Board of Regents

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NATURE OF THE CASE

In this case we address several legal issues, but highlight here the key issue of first impression. In an employment discrimination, wrongful discharge case brought under the Civil Rights Act, MCL 37.2101 et seq.-, MSA 3.548(101) et seq., may a plaintiff seek more than economic damages yet shield from discovery his mental history? Our answer is clear and simple: no. If a plaintiff, as here, seeks more than economic damages from his employer, the defendant-employer may pursue normal discovery that includes discovery of the plaintiff’s emotional and mental history. 1 If…