Kevin Rhodes Missouri Cases

Kevin Rhodes, a former employee, and the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission both appealed the circuit court's judgment following a jury verdict in Rhodes's favor on his claims for hostile work environment and retaliation under the Missouri Human Rights Act. Rhodes challenged the constitutional validity of a damages cap, while the Commission argued Rhodes failed to make a submissible case. The Supreme Court of Missouri dismissed the appeal, holding that the circuit court's judgment was not final because it failed to rule on Rhodes's requests for equitable relief and prejudgment interest.

Kevin Rhodes sued the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC) for hostile work environment and retaliation under the Missouri Human Rights Act (MHRA), securing a jury verdict. The circuit court applied a statutory damages cap, leading MHTC to appeal the denial of its JNOV motion and Rhodes to cross-appeal the constitutionality of the damages cap. The Court of Appeals determined that Rhodes's constitutional challenge invoked the exclusive appellate jurisdiction of the Missouri Supreme Court. Consequently, the court transferred the entire case to the Supreme Court, lacking jurisdiction to address the merits of either appeal.