Montana Jury Instruction — 1.4.1 Age Discrimination in Employment Act 29 USC Sect.621 – 634 General Instruction is a legal instruction used in Montana courts to guide jurors on the application of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (AREA). The AREA is a federal law that prohibits age discrimination in the workplace and provides protections for workers aged 40 and older. This jury instruction, specifically 1.4.1, outlines the key provisions and principles of the AREA that potential jurors must understand when deciding age discrimination cases. It explains the purpose and scope of the law and provides guidance on determining liability and damages in such cases. The Montana Jury Instruction — 1.4.1 Age Discrimination in Employment Act covers various elements, including: 1. Scope of the AREA: This instruction explains that the AREA applies to employers with 20 or more employees, labor organizations, and employment agencies, and covers discrimination in hiring, firing, promotions, compensation, and other employment-related decisions. 2. Protected Individuals: The instruction emphasizes that the AREA protects individuals who are 40 years of age and older, ensuring they are not discriminated against solely based on their age. 3. Prohibited Practices: It outlines the specific practices that are prohibited under the AREA, such as using age as a factor in employment decisions, setting age limits, or imposing age-related stereotypes. 4. Burden of Proof: This instruction clarifies the burden of proof in age discrimination cases, explaining that the plaintiff (the person bringing the lawsuit) must prove that age was a determining factor in the adverse employment action they experienced. 5. Employer Defenses: The instruction also discusses potential defenses that employers may raise, such as proving that an employment decision was based on factors other than age, or if the actions were in accordance with a bona fide occupational qualification. It's important to note that while this description focuses on the general instruction, there may be different specific instructions under the Montana Jury Instruction system that address distinct aspects of age discrimination cases under the AREA. These specific instructions could cover topics like burden-shifting frameworks, definitions of key terms, or factors to consider when determining damages. By providing clear guidance to the jury on the legal principles of the AREA, the Montana Jury Instruction — 1.4.1 Age Discrimination in Employment Act aims to ensure proper understanding and application of the law in age discrimination cases, ultimately promoting fair and unbiased verdicts.