Connecticut Jury Instruction - 1.4.1 Age Discrimination In Employment Act 29 USC Sect.621 - 634 General Instruction

• Category: Federal - Jury Instructions - Adverse Employment Action
• State: Multi-State
• Control #: US-11CF-1-4-1
• Format: Word; Rich Text

Description

This form contains sample jury instructions, to be used across the United States. These questions are to be used only as a model, and should be altered to more perfectly fit your own cause of action needs.

Connecticut Jury Instruction — 1.4.1 Age Discrimination In Employment Act 29 USC Sect.621 – 634 General Instruction serves as a comprehensive guide for jurors in employment discrimination cases related to age under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (AREA). This instruction provides jurors with the necessary information and legal guidelines to understand the AREA and make informed decisions during the trial. The purpose of the AREA is to protect individuals aged 40 and above from age-based discrimination in employment practices. It prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or job applicants because of their age in hiring, promotion, termination, training, benefits, and other employment-related decisions. It also prohibits employers from retaliating against individuals who file age discrimination complaints. The Connecticut Jury Instruction — 1.4.1 Age Discrimination In Employment Act 29 USC Sect.621 – 634 General Instruction covers several key aspects and principles that jurors need to consider during the trial. These may include: 1. Elements of Age Discrimination Claim: This instruction explains the elements that the plaintiff must prove to establish an age discrimination claim. It outlines that the plaintiff must demonstrate that they were a member of the protected age group (40 or above), were qualified for the position or employment benefit, suffered an adverse employment action, and the action was motivated by age discrimination. 2. Burden of Proof: The instruction clarifies the burden of proof in age discrimination cases. Typically, the burden rests with the plaintiff to establish a prima facie case of discrimination. If the plaintiff succeeds, the burden shifts to the defendant to provide a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason for their actions. 3. Direct vs. Circumstantial Evidence: The instruction distinguishes between direct and circumstantial evidence and explains how each can be used to establish discrimination. Direct evidence refers to explicit, overt statements or actions indicating discriminatory intent, while circumstantial evidence relies on inferences and reasonable deductions from various facts. 4. Pretext: The instruction discusses the concept of pretext, where the plaintiff attempts to show that the employer's stated reason for the adverse action was false or a cover-up for age discrimination. Jurors are instructed to consider whether the employer's justification was sincere or merely a pretext for discrimination. 5. Mixed Motive: The instruction addresses cases where the unlawful discrimination was mixed with other legitimate reasons. It explains that if the jury finds both unlawful discrimination and valid reasons contributed to the adverse action, the plaintiff may still prevail. However, the employer may limit damages if they can prove they had taken the same action for valid reasons alone. While the Connecticut Jury Instruction — 1.4.1 Age Discrimination In Employment Act 29 USC Sect.621 – 634 General Instruction is a singular document, it can be adapted or modified to suit specific cases or variations in the law. However, it provides a foundation and framework for jurors to assess the evidence, determine liability, and deliver a fair and just verdict in age discrimination cases.