City and city councilors petitioned for a writ of mandamus directing the Jefferson Circuit Court, to dismiss a claim alleging bad-faith failure to pay legal bills and costs stemming from a complaint filed by former city councilor and law firm that represented councilor and to dismiss a racial discrimination claim brought by councilor. Former city councilor’s claim against city for bad-faith failure to pay legal expenses was associated with criminal action alleging ethics law violations, of which councilor was ultimately acquitted.
The Supreme Court held that:
- Former city councilor’s claim against city for bad-faith failure to pay legal expenses was precluded by local-governmental immunity, and
- City councilors were not protected by legislative immunity from racial discrimination claim.