Virgin Islands Jury Instruction — 1.5.1 Americans With Disabilities Act 42 USC Sect. 12101 – 12117 Disparate Treatment Claim The Virgin Islands Jury Instruction — 1.5.1 Americans With Disabilities Act 42 USC Sect. 12101 – 12117 Disparate Treatment Claim is a set of guidelines provided to juries in the Virgin Islands when dealing with cases related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), enacted in 1990, is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various aspects of public life, including employment, public accommodations, and government services. Disparate treatment refers to unequal treatment based on disability, where individuals with disabilities are treated less favorably than others in similar situations. This particular jury instruction, 1.5.1, focuses on disparate treatment claims under the ADA. It outlines the specific elements that need to be proven to establish such a claim and offers guidance to the jury in evaluating the evidence and reaching a fair and impartial decision. Key elements covered in the Virgin Islands Jury Instruction — 1.5.1 Americans With Disabilities Act 42 USC Sect. 12101 – 12117 Disparate Treatment Claim may include: 1. Discrimination: The instruction clarifies that the plaintiff needs to demonstrate that they were treated less favorably compared to others without disabilities in a similar situation. 2. Disability status: The instruction explains the legal definition of disability under the ADA, emphasizing that the plaintiff needs to establish their disability status, whether physical or mental, and that it substantially limits a major life activity. 3. Prima facie case: It outlines the factors needed for a plaintiff to establish a prima facie case of disparate treatment, which typically include demonstrating membership in a protected class (disabled individuals), qualification for the position, and an adverse employment action taken against them. 4. Pretext: The instruction explains that once the plaintiff has established a prima facie case, the burden of proof shifts to the defendant to provide a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason for their actions. It guides the jury in considering whether the employer's stated reason is a pretext for discrimination or a genuine justification. It is essential to note that while the description above focuses on a specific type of the Virgin Islands Jury Instruction — 1.5.1 Americans With Disabilities Act 42 USC Sect. 12101 – 12117 Disparate Treatment Claim related to employment, there might be additional variations of these instructions in the Virgin Islands jurisdiction or other specific contexts, such as public accommodations or government services. In summary, Virgin Islands Jury Instruction — 1.5.1 Americans With Disabilities Act 42 USC Sect. 12101 – 12117 Disparate Treatment Claim provides a framework for juries to evaluate disparate treatment claims under the ADA in the Virgin Islands jurisdiction. It ensures a fair and impartial evaluation of the evidence presented to reach a just verdict.