Contra Costa California Jury Instruction — 1.5.2 Reasonable Accommodation Claim is a set of guidelines provided to jurors in Contra Costa County, California, to help them understand the legal standards and considerations regarding reasonable accommodation claims. These instructions are presented in court during a trial and serve as a vital tool for jurors to make informed decisions. Reasonable accommodation claims typically arise in cases involving discrimination based on disability or other protected characteristics, as defined by state and federal laws. This instruction specifically focuses on the obligations of employers, landlords, or other entities covered under relevant anti-discrimination laws in providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. The jury instruction explores the legal requirements for a successful reasonable accommodation claim. It provides an overview of the elements that plaintiffs must establish to prove their case, including: 1. Disability: The plaintiff must demonstrate that they have a disability as defined by the applicable law. 2. Request for accommodation: The plaintiff must show that they requested reasonable accommodation from the defendant. 3. Reasonable accommodation: The instruction explains that reasonable accommodation is a modification, adjustment, or change that allows the individual with a disability to perform essential job functions or access housing, services, or facilities. It emphasizes that the accommodation should be effective and not impose undue hardship on the defendant. 4. Failure to accommodate: The plaintiff must establish that the defendant failed to provide a reasonable accommodation, either by outright denial or by offering accommodation that was unreasonable or ineffective. 5. Causation: The instruction clarifies that the plaintiff must prove that the failure to accommodate was a substantial factor in causing harm or adverse impact. Different types of reasonable accommodation claims may fall under this instruction, such as cases involving employers who refuse to provide workplace modifications for employees with disabilities or landlords who deny requested modifications for individuals with disabilities in rental properties. The instruction is versatile enough to encompass a wide range of situations where disabled individuals seek accommodation to overcome barriers that hinder their full participation in various aspects of society. These instructions are crucial for jurors as they provide clear guidance on the legal principles involved in reasonable accommodation claims. They promote fair and unbiased decision-making by helping jurors understand the weight and significance of each element when evaluating the evidence presented during the trial. In conclusion, Contra Costa California Jury Instruction — 1.5.2 Reasonable Accommodation Claim provides jurors in Contra Costa County with comprehensive guidelines on how to evaluate and decide upon reasonable accommodation claims. By outlining the necessary elements and legal requirements, it ensures that the jurors can make informed decisions that uphold the principles of justice and protection of individuals with disabilities.