This section contains the nature of the case and procedural background.

D was sheriff of St. Charles Parish. D was sued by seven plaintiffs under 42 U.S.C. §§ 1981 and 1983 for alleged violations of the First and Fourteenth Amendments. Ps also allege state-law violations. Ps commissions as deputies were not renewed as of July 1, 1992, the date that D assumed office after his re-election. The basis of each plaintiff’s claims differed, but all claimed a violation of their First Amendment rights. Six of the seven alleged that D terminated them for their refusal to support him in his reelection bid. Three alleged racial discrimination. A remaining deputy alleged racial discrimination and retaliation for filing a workers' compensation claim. D filed a motion to sever under Rule 20(a). D also moved for separate trials under 42(b).

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