The following excerpt is from Sheehan v. Aetna Cas. & Sur. Co., 67 F.3d 308 (9th Cir. 1995):
In order to state a prima facie case of age discrimination under the ACRA, the plaintiff must show that he (1) belongs to the protected class; (2) was objectively qualified for his position; (3) was terminated; and (4) was replaced by a younger person. Gesina v. General Elec. Co., 780 P.2d 1376, 1379 (Ariz.Ct.App.1989). If the plaintiff succeeds in establishing a prima facie case, the burden shifts to the defendant to present evidence that the termination decision was based on a legitimate, nondiscriminatory reason. Id. If the defendant meets this burden, the burden shifts to the plaintiff to prove that the defendant's asserted reason for the termination decision is a pretext for discrimination. Id.
The above passage should not be considered legal advice. Reliable answers to complex legal questions require comprehensive research memos. To learn more visit www.alexi.com.