West Virginia Jury Instruction — 1.5.1 Americans With Disabilities Act 42 USC Sect. 12101 – 12117 Disparate Treatment Claim is a legal instruction provided to jurors in West Virginia when considering cases related to claims of disparate treatment under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various aspects of public life, including employment, public accommodations, and access to government services. Disparate treatment occurs when an individual with a disability is treated differently or less favorably compared to others in similar situations. This particular jury instruction, 1.5.1, specifically focuses on disparate treatment claims under the ADA. It provides guidance to the jury on how to evaluate evidence and determine whether the plaintiff has proven a case of disparate treatment based on their disability. The instruction emphasizes that the plaintiff, who is claiming disparate treatment, has the burden of proving their case by a preponderance of the evidence. This means that they must present more convincing evidence than the opposing party to support their claim. Jurors are instructed to consider several factors in determining whether the plaintiff has established discriminatory treatment. These factors may include: 1. Establishing a prima facie case: The plaintiff must show that they have a disability as defined by the ADA, that they are qualified for the position or benefit sought, and that they suffered an adverse employment action or denial of benefits. 2. Showing that the defendant treated the plaintiff less favorably: The plaintiff must demonstrate that they were subjected to adverse treatment because of their disability. This could include instances where they were denied a promotion, terminated from employment, or denied reasonable accommodations. 3. Identifying a comparator: The plaintiff may need to establish a valid comparison between themselves and a non-disabled individual who was treated more favorably in similar circumstances. 4. Evaluating the defendant's reasons for the differential treatment: The jury should analyze the defendant's alleged non-discriminatory justifications and determine whether they are legitimate or merely a pretext for discrimination. It is important to note that this specific West Virginia jury instruction may have variations or additional instructions depending on the specific circumstances and claims presented in a particular case. Different types of disparate treatment claims under the Americans With Disabilities Act may include instances of failure to accommodate, hostile work environment, or retaliatory actions. Overall, West Virginia Jury Instruction — 1.5.1 provides jurors with the necessary legal guidance to evaluate evidence and make a fair determination on a disparate treatment claim brought under the Americans With Disabilities Act.