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

Patterson (P) was a black woman employed as a teller and file coordinator for P. She was laid off in July 1982 and sued under 41 U.S.C. section 1981 because she was harassed and discharged because of her race. The court ruled in favor of D and P appealed. The appeals court affirmed.

The legal issues presented in this case will be displayed here.

The court's holding and decision will be displayed here.

Legal analysis from Dean's Law Dictionary will be displayed here.