The Georgia Jury Instruction — 1.4.1 Age Discrimination in Employment Act 29 USC Sect.621-634 General Instruction is a set of guidelines provided to jurors in Georgia when hearing cases related to age discrimination in the workplace. These instructions help educate the jury on the legal aspects and principles involved in such cases, ensuring a fair and just decision. The instruction focuses on the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (AREA) which is a federal law that prohibits age-based discrimination against employees and job applicants who are 40 years or older. The AREA aims to eliminate unfair treatment based on age in hiring, promotion, firing, wages, benefits, and other aspects of employment. The Georgia Jury Instruction — 1.4.1 Age Discrimination in Employment Act 29 USC Sect.621-634 General Instruction provides jurors with an overview of the AREA and its main provisions. It may cover the following key points: 1. Statutory Framework: The instruction outlines the relevant provisions of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, its purpose, and its relationship with other laws governing employment discrimination. 2. Definition of Age Discrimination: It clarifies that age discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant less favorably due to their age, leading to adverse employment actions such as demotion, termination, denial of benefits, or failure to hire. 3. Elements of a Claim: The instruction explains the elements necessary to establish a claim of age discrimination under the AREA. These may include proving that the plaintiff was over 40 years old, qualified for the position or benefit sought, experienced an adverse employment action, and that age was a motivating factor in the employer's decision. 4. Mixed-Motive Theory: In certain cases, the jury instruction may discuss the mixed-motive theory, which means an employer's decision may be motivated by both permissible and impermissible factors. Under this theory, the plaintiff may still prevail if they can show that age was a motivating factor in the adverse action. 5. Defenses: The instruction outlines potential defenses an employer may raise in an age discrimination case. These defenses could include asserting that age was not a factor in the employment decision and the employer had legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons for their actions. 6. Damages: Depending on the circumstances, the instruction may provide guidance on the types of damages that may be awarded in an age discrimination case, such as back pay, front pay, emotional distress damages, and attorney fees. It is worth noting that the Georgia Jury Instruction may have variations or updates over time as laws change or new interpretations arise. Therefore, it is crucial for jurors to follow the specific instructions provided by the judge during the trial to ensure proper application of the law.