Indiana Jury Instruction — 1.3.1 Civil Rights Act 42 USC Sect.1981 Race Discrimination In Employment Discharge — Failure To Promote General Instruction is a crucial component of the civil rights legislation that addresses race discrimination in the workplace. This instruction serves as a guide for juries called to decide cases involving race-based employment discrimination regarding discharge or failure to promote. Under the Civil Rights Act, specifically Section 1981 of Title 42 of the United States Code (42 USC Sect.1981), individuals are protected against racial discrimination in employment practices. These protections extend to situations where an employee has been discharged or denied a promotion based on their race. The purpose of the Indiana Jury Instruction — 1.3.1 is to inform the jury about the legal standards and considerations they need to apply while evaluating race discrimination claims related to discharge or failure to promote. Juries are instructed to carefully assess the evidence presented and use the applicable legal principles to determine if the plaintiff has proved racial discrimination by the preponderance of evidence. Juries are urged to consider various factors when deciding a case based on this instruction, including but not limited to: 1. Burden of Proof: Juries are reminded that the plaintiff has the burden to prove, by a preponderance of evidence, that race was a motivating factor in their discharge or failure to be promoted. This means that the plaintiff needs to show that race played a significant role in the employer's decision. 2. Direct Evidence: Direct evidence refers to explicit statements, remarks, or actions that demonstrate discriminatory intent based on race. Juries must consider whether direct evidence has been presented and weigh its credibility and relevance in determining discrimination. 3. Circumstantial Evidence: Unlike direct evidence, circumstantial evidence relies on inferences to establish racial discrimination. Juries must analyze the totality of the circumstances of the discharge or failure to promote to decide if there is a plausible inference of racial discrimination. 4. Employer's Reasoning: Juries should evaluate the reasons given by the employer for the discharge or failure to promote. If the plaintiff can demonstrate that the stated reasons are a pretext or cover-up for racial discrimination, then the jury may find in the plaintiff's favor. 5. Comparators: Juries should consider any evidence provided regarding similarly situated individuals of a different race who received different treatment in regard to discharge or promotion. This helps determine if there was disparate treatment based on race. By adhering to this instruction, juries play a pivotal role in upholding the Civil Rights Act and promoting equal opportunities in employment. The Indiana Jury Instruction — 1.3.1 Civil Rights Act 42 USC Sect.1981 Race Discrimination In Employment Discharge — Failure To Promote General Instruction aids in ensuring fair and just decisions when racial discrimination claims arise in the workplace. It should be noted that while this description focuses on the general instruction, specific variations or additional instructions may exist concerning particular elements of the case or for instances where unique circumstances arise during trial.