Breese v. Steel Mountain Enterprises, Inc.

Christine Breese and Daniel Breese (plaintiffs), wife and husband, filed separate employment discrimination actions in Flathead County District Court alleging violations of the Montana Human Rights Act (Act). The cases were consolidated and tried to a six-person jury which rendered a verdict in favor of Steele Mountain Enterprises, Inc. (Steele Mountain). Judgment was entered for Steele Mountain. Plaintiffs moved for a new trial, claiming that the relief sought under the Act was equitable in nature and the case should have been tried to a judge rather than a jury. The District Court granted a…