Virginia Jury Instruction — 1.2.1 Race And Or Sex Discrimination Discharge — Failure To PromotIncludingin— - Same Decision Defense: This particular jury instruction in Virginia pertains to cases involving race and/or sex discrimination specifically related to discharge or failure to promote in an employment setting. This instruction is designed to guide the jury in understanding the relevant legal principles and considerations when determining liability and potential defenses. The instruction emphasizes the prohibited nature of discrimination based on race and/or sex, and highlights that an employer cannot discharge or fail to promote an individual solely based on these factors. It then outlines the essential requirements for establishing a claim of discrimination in these scenarios, including the burden of proof for the plaintiff. The instruction also introduces the same decision defense, which allows the defendant (typically the employer) to argue that the same decision regarding discharge or failure to promote would have been made regardless of the plaintiff's race or sex. This defense is based on the premise that the employer had legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons for the employment actions taken. When considering the same decision defense, the jury must weigh the evidence presented by both the plaintiff and the defendant. It is crucial for the jury to evaluate whether the plaintiff has provided sufficient evidence to show that race and/or sex was a determining factor in the employer's decision. If the jury finds that the plaintiff has met this burden, then the same decision defense fails and the employer may be held liable for race and/or sex discrimination. Different types of Virginia Jury Instruction — 1.2.1 Race And Or Sex Discrimination Discharge — Failure To PromotIncludingin— - Same Decision Defense may include variations based on specific nuances or aspects of the case. For instance, there may be instructions that specifically address the elements of discrimination based on race or sex individually, or instructions that focus on the role of direct evidence versus circumstantial evidence in establishing discrimination claims. Additionally, there might be variations of this instruction that account for different legal standards or burdens of proof depending on the specific circumstances or legal claims involved in the case. These variations ensure that the jury is provided with the most accurate and relevant guidance for deciding cases of race and/or sex discrimination in the context of discharge or failure to promote. In conclusion, Virginia Jury Instruction — 1.2.1 Race And Or Sex Discrimination Discharge — Failure To PromotIncludingin— - Same Decision Defense is a comprehensive instruction addressing the legal principles, burden of proof, and potential defenses in cases involving race and/or sex discrimination in employment-related discharge or failure to promote. It requires the jury to carefully evaluate the evidence presented by the parties and make a determination regarding liability based on whether discrimination has been proven.