Probert v. Family Centered Services of Alaska, Inc.

How later courts describe this case

• relying on a Maine administrative guideline for a narrowing construction of “influencing”
• “In ascertaining the meaning of an ambiguous term, [a court] may use canons of construction, legislative history, and the statute’s overall purpose to illuminate Congress’s intent.”
• “Exposure of official misconduct, especially within the police department, is generally of great consequence to the public;” holding that speech on police malfeasance consisting of the use of excessive force is a matter of public concern