Virginia Jury Instruction — 1.5.1 Americans With Disabilities Act 42 USC Sect. 12101 – 12117 Disparate Treatment Claim is a legal instruction provided to a jury in Virginia that covers cases related to alleged discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The instruction aims to define the elements, factors, and standards that need to be considered when evaluating a disparate treatment claim under the ADA. It provides guidelines for the jury in assessing whether the plaintiff has been subjected to illegal discrimination based on their disability. This jury instruction is crucial in cases involving alleged disparate treatment, which refers to the unequal treatment of individuals with disabilities compared to individuals without disabilities in employment, public accommodations, or other areas covered by the ADA. It is essential to prove that the defendant, typically an employer or entity, treated the plaintiff unfavorably, based on their disability, which caused harm or adverse effects. The instruction may vary depending on the specific claim and circumstances. Different types of Virginia Jury Instruction — 1.5.1 Americans With Disabilities Act 42 USC Sect. 12101 – 12117 Disparate Treatment Claim could include: 1. Direct Disparate Treatment Claim: This refers to situations where the plaintiff presents evidence demonstrating that they were treated less favorably solely because of their disability. The instruction would guide the jury in evaluating the presented evidence and assessing if the defendant's actions were intentionally discriminatory and in violation of the ADA. 2. Indirect Disparate Treatment Claim: Also known as a "prima facie" case, this claim involves a more nuanced analysis. The plaintiff must demonstrate a prima facie case by providing evidence that suggests discrimination occurred but may not directly prove it. The jury instruction would outline the elements required to establish a prima facie case and the subsequent burden-shifting framework if the plaintiff succeeds. 3. Mixed-motive Disparate Treatment Claim: This claim arises when the plaintiff alleges that both discriminatory and non-discriminatory motives influenced the defendant's actions. The jury instruction would explain the standard of evidence needed to conclude that the plaintiff's disability was a motivating factor in the adverse treatment and determine the appropriate legal remedies to be considered. 4. Retaliation Disparate Treatment Claim: In some cases, a plaintiff may allege that they were subjected to adverse treatment as a result of engaging in protected activity under the ADA. The instruction would guide the jury in evaluating whether the adverse action taken by the defendant was retaliatory in response to the plaintiff's exercise of their ADA rights. Virginia Jury Instruction — 1.5.1 Americans With Disabilities Act 42 USC Sect. 12101 – 12117 Disparate Treatment Claim serves to ensure that the jury has a clear understanding of the legal standards and principles relevant to ADA discrimination claims. It provides a framework for evaluating evidence, applying legal elements, and ultimately reaching a fair and just verdict in cases involving alleged disparate treatment based on disability.