The Nassau New York Jury Instruction — 1.4.1 Age Discrimination In Employment Act 29 USC Sect.621-634 General Instruction provides detailed guidance on how age discrimination cases under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (AREA) should be considered by the jury. This instruction is critical in ensuring a fair trial and understanding the nuances of this particular form of employment discrimination. Nassau County, located on Long Island, New York, follows a specific set of instructions when tackling age discrimination cases under the AREA. Here is a breakdown of the main points covered in this Nassau New York Jury Instruction: 1. Overview of the Age Discrimination In Employment Act (AREA): This instruction provides an overview of the AREA, including its purpose, scope, and legal standards. It explains that the AREA prohibits employers from discriminating against employees who are 40 years of age or older based on their age in areas such as hiring, firing, promotions, compensation, and terms of employment. 2. Elements of a Prima Facie Case: The instruction outlines the elements that the plaintiff (the person alleging discrimination) must prove to establish a prima facie case of age discrimination. These elements may include the plaintiff's membership in the protected age group, adverse employment action, qualification for the job, and replacement by a younger employee. 3. Standard of Proof: It discusses the standard of proof required in age discrimination cases under the AREA. The jury is instructed that the plaintiff must prove the discrimination by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning that the evidence presented by the plaintiff must be more convincing than the evidence presented by the defendant. 4. The Role of Direct and Circumstantial Evidence: The instruction clarifies the difference between direct and circumstantial evidence and explains how both types can be used to establish age discrimination. It guides the jury on how to evaluate the credibility and weight of each form of evidence. 5. Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFO) Defense: In certain cases, the employer may argue that age is a legitimate qualification for a particular job. This instruction explains the conditions under which a BFO defense may be raised and how the jury should assess its validity. Different types of Nassau New York Jury Instructions — 1.4.1 Age Discrimination In Employment Act 29 USC Sect.621-634 General Instruction may vary based on specific legal standards, procedural rules, or case complexities. However, the core principles of prohibiting age discrimination and establishing a fair trial remain consistent across all age discrimination cases under the AREA in Nassau County.