The question relates back to our prior chapter regarding protected classifications. Please cite the federal law which would protect a worker from age discrimination. Please provide an argument for how age discrimination may have occurred as well as an argument against it on behalf of the employer. Finally, give me your thoughts as to which way the court might rule.

Case: A $55-$year$-$old woman applied online for a financial analyst position and other jobs with an employer. The woman had a masters degree in accounting and an MBA in finance, in addition to fifteen years of experience in fields including financial analysis. She was not interviewed or hired for any of these positions. The application form that she completed asked applicants to indicate the year you started working professionally. The manager responsible for reviewing applications said that she was not aware of the applicants age at the time that her applications were reviewed. The employer cited lack of current or relevant experience, the superior qualifications of other candidates, and some positions that were not filled at all as reasons for not hiring her. The woman sued. What should the court decide? Why?