North Carolina Jury Instruction — 1.4.1 Age Discrimination In Employment Act 29 USC Sect.621 – 634 General Instruction provides guidance to the jury in cases involving age discrimination in employment under the Age Discrimination In Employment Act (AREA). The AREA is a federal law that prohibits age discrimination against employees who are 40 years of age or older. This jury instruction is designed to assist the jury in understanding the specific provisions and requirements of the AREA when determining the outcome of a case. This general instruction educates the jury on the key elements of the AREA, including its purpose, coverage, and prohibited actions. It outlines the various types of discrimination prohibited by the AREA, such as hiring, firing, promotions, compensation, and terms of employment based on age. The instruction also explains the burden of proof, which is the responsibility of the plaintiff to provide sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case of age discrimination. It clarifies that the plaintiff must prove that age was the determining factor in the adverse employment action taken by the defendant. Furthermore, it provides an overview of the available defenses for employers, such as the bona fide occupational qualification (BFO) defense, the reasonable factor other than age (RFA) defense, and the mixed motives defense. These defenses allow employers to rebut allegations of age discrimination by demonstrating non-discriminatory reasons for their actions. In addition to the general instruction, there may be various specific instructions related to Age Discrimination In Employment Act (AREA) cases, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. These specific instructions address issues like the calculation of damages, the elements of retaliation claims, and the application of the AREA to particular industries or types of employment. Overall, North Carolina Jury Instruction — 1.4.1 Age Discrimination In Employment Act 29 USC Sect.621 – 634 General Instruction plays a crucial role in ensuring that the jury has a comprehensive understanding of the AREA and its application in age discrimination cases. It helps guide the jury in making informed decisions based on the evidence presented during the trial.