One-year difference in age does not equal discrimination.

Pete, a painter, was fired when managers complained about his work quality. Pete was 52 and was replaced by a 51-year-old man. He sued, alleging age bias. The court threw out the case, saying such a small difference wasn't enough to show bias. (Keller v. Coastal Bend College, 5th Cir.)

The lesson: Employees who want to prove age bias must show...