Chicago Illinois Jury Instruction — 1.9.3 Miscellaneous Issues Retaliation is a legal guideline provided to the jury during a trial in Chicago, Illinois. This instruction specifically focuses on retaliation claims and various miscellaneous issues associated with them. Retaliation occurs when an individual is subjected to adverse actions or treatment as a result of exercising their legal rights or reporting illegal activities. It is crucial for the jury to comprehensively understand the different aspects of retaliation claims in order to make fair and informed decisions. Key Points Covered in Chicago Illinois Jury Instruction — 1.9.3 Miscellaneous Issues Retaliation: 1. Elements of a Retaliation Claim: This instruction outlines the essential elements needed to prove a retaliation claim. It typically includes demonstrating that the plaintiff engaged in protected activity, the defendant was aware of this activity, the plaintiff suffered adverse action, and there is a causal link between the protected activity and the adverse action. 2. Protected Activities: The instruction highlights the various activities that are protected by law, such as exercising rights granted under labor laws, reporting discrimination or harassment, filing complaints with government agencies, or participating in a legal investigation. 3. Types of Retaliatory Actions: Chicago Illinois Jury Instruction — 1.9.3 clarifies the wide range of actions or behaviors that can be classified as retaliatory, including termination, demotion, denial of benefits, negative performance evaluations, harassment, intimidation, or any other adverse treatment that adversely impacts the plaintiff's employment or legal rights. 4. Causal Link: The instruction emphasizes the importance of establishing a causal link between the protected activity and the adverse action. The jury needs to assess whether the plaintiff's exercise of protected activity was a motivating factor leading to the retaliatory action. 5. Discriminatory Intent: If the plaintiff claims that the adverse action was taken due to a discriminatory motive, this instruction guides the jury to consider whether the alleged retaliation was based on a protected characteristic (e.g., race, gender, age, religion) or another discriminatory factor. Additional Types of Chicago Illinois Jury Instruction — 1.9.3 Miscellaneous Issues Retaliation: 1. Retaliation in Employment Discrimination Cases: This specific instruction addresses retaliation claims within the context of employment discrimination. It may provide further insight into how to evaluate retaliation claims when they are intertwined with discrimination allegations. 2. Retaliation in Whistleblower Cases: Whistleblower cases involve individuals reporting illegal activities within an organization. This instruction focuses on retaliation claims arising from whistleblowing and may include additional elements specific to such cases. 3. Retaliation in Labor Union Matters: In cases involving labor unions, this instruction may be tailored to address unique issues associated with retaliation claims within the unionized workplace, including protected union activities and regulations under the National Labor Relations Act. In summary, Chicago Illinois Jury Instruction — 1.9.3 Miscellaneous Issues Retaliation provides valuable guidance to the jury regarding the complex issues involved in retaliation claims. By understanding the various elements, protected activities, types of retaliatory actions, causal links, and potential discriminatory intent, the jurors are better equipped to evaluate the evidence and render a just verdict.