Being the most populous state in the country, California boasts a strong state economy and plays a significant role in the overall strength of the United States economy. More to the point, the engine of any economy is its workers. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, California has over 19 million people in the labor force.
What this means is that a substantial number of people in our state go to work every day looking to earn income to provide for their families and keep businesses running. But sometimes, there are circumstances that make going to work uncomfortable. When your employer discriminates against you, forces you to work in unsafe conditions, or doesn’t pay you properly, it’s not just uncomfortable, but illegal under California law. These situations sometimes lead to lawsuits, which means they could ultimately face a judge and jury in court.
Experienced Legal Guidance From California Employment Lawyers
At Maison Law, we can answer any legal questions you may have. Whether you are a potential juror or in need of guidance because you believe your employer is violating your rights in the workplace, our experienced California lawyers have the knowledge and capability to give you the answers you need. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and give yourself the peace of mind of understanding how the law works in California and how it applies to your particular situation.
What Areas Does California Employment Law Cover?
As an employee in California, you have the complete protection of the law. But California employment law covers a wide range of areas related to the employer-employee relationship. Here are some of the key areas that California employment law covers:
- Violations of wage and hour law – California employment law protections include issues such as failure to pay minimum wage, failure to pay overtime, or failing to provide required meal and rest breaks. Employers who violate wage and hour laws can face penalties and lawsuits.
- Wrongful termination – California is an at-will employment state, meaning that employers can terminate employees for any reason that is not illegal. However, employees who are terminated for reasons that violate California law, such as discrimination or retaliation, may have grounds for a wrongful termination lawsuit.
- Discrimination and harassment – California law prohibits discrimination and harassment in the workplace based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, sexual orientation, and a qualified disability. Employers who fail to prevent or address these unlawful actions can face lawsuits and other penalties.
- Retaliation/Whistleblower protections – California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA) prohibit employers from retaliating against employees who engage in certain protected activities, such as reporting illegal activity. Retaliation can take many forms, such as termination, demotion, or having your pay cut.
- Violations of privacy – California has strict laws related to employee privacy, including laws related to employee monitoring, access to employee records, and protection of personal information. Employers who violate these laws can face legal action and penalties.
Not only is it important for employees to understand these areas of California employment law to protect their rights, but employers need to also take necessary steps to make sure they are complying with the law. Failure to do so opens them up to legal action, which can be costly.
What are California Civil Jury Instructions?
California Civil Jury Instructions, also known as CACI, are a set of standardized instructions given to juries in civil cases in California. The instructions provide guidance to juries on how to apply the law to the facts of the case and reach a verdict. CACI was developed by the California Judicial Council and is regularly updated to reflect changes in the law.
These instructions cover a wide range of legal issues, including:
- Negligence
- Intentional torts
- Contracts
- Property law
- Employment law
The instructions are designed to be clear, concise, and easy for juries to understand. They are also designed to be neutral, meaning that they do not favor one party over the other.
While they are not mandatory, they are often used by judges in California to instruct juries. Judges have the discretion to modify the instructions to fit the specific facts of the particular case. The goal of CACI is to ensure that juries have a clear understanding of the law and are able to apply it fairly and consistently.
California Civil Jury Instructions for Employment Law Cases
As one of the many types of civil cases, employment law cases in California sometimes end up at trial before a judge and jury. As such, CACI is used to guide the jury in deciding whether an employer has violated a particular employment law. It’s here that discretion is key: a judge can instruct you and other jurors to apply the law based on the particular area of employment law that the case revolves around. Thus, the CACI includes the following as it relates to employment law cases:
Wrongful Termination
Sections 2400 and 2500 of CACI cover wrongful termination. Legally speaking, discrimination and harassment–which are protected by the FEHA–fall under this category. Thus, CACI provides guidance on the elements of the claim, the legal standard for proving discrimination, and the employer’s burden of proof. For example, the instructions outline the types of evidence that can be used to show discriminatory intent, such as direct evidence or circumstantial evidence.
Retaliation
Section 2505 of the CACI provides guidance for retaliation claims. This includes elements of the claim, the standard of evidence required to prove retaliation, and the employer’s burden of proof. The instructions also outline the types of evidence that can be used to show retaliatory intent, such as temporal proximity or inconsistent explanations for adverse actions.
Wage and Hour Violations
Labor Code actions are housed under section 2700 of the CACI. In pracitce, this covers wage and hour claims, of which the instructions provide guidance on the various wage and hour laws that apply in California. This includes minimum wage, overtime pay, meal and rest breaks, and the duty to keep accurate records of hours worked. The instructions also provide guidance on the damages that can be awarded in wage and hour cases.
Whistleblower Protections
The CACI instructions for whistleblower claims are covered in Section 4600. These provide guidance on the elements of the claim, the standard of evidence required to prove retaliation, and the employer’s burden of proof. For example, the instructions outline the types of evidence that can be used to show that the employee engaged in protected activity, such as reporting illegal activity or refusing to participate in unlawful conduct.
No matter what area of employment law a case falls under, understanding these instructions can be complex and challenging, even for seasoned legal professionals. The reality is that the stakes are extremely high when a case reaches a trial. Thus, as a juror, it’s essential to approach your duty seriously to make sure you (and other jurors) make the best decision with the evidence presented.
Maison Law Can Answer Your Legal Questions
Employment law cases in California are among the most unique type of claims that can come before a jury. Not only do they involve intricate legal issues, but also the violation of an individual’s rights in the workplace. Thus, when these individuals try to hold their employers accountable, it’s often the responsibility of the jury to make that happen.
While the CACI provides standard guidelines for these juries, having a complete understanding of the relevant jury instructions is crucial for achieving a fair and just outcome. In order to attain this, our experienced team of California employment lawyers at Maison Law can answer any questions you may have regarding the law and how it applies in employment cases.
We understand the nuances of California employment law and the specific instructions that apply to various types of cases. If you have any questions, contact us today for a free consultation.
