The Law Dictionary for Everyone
Disparate impact is a legal doctrine which declares that a policy can be considered discriminatory if it “adversely impacts” a group based on that group’s traits, such as its race, color, religion, or sex. This is especially true when there is no legitimate need for such a policy. If someone finds a policy or practices to be discriminatory, then he […]
Read moreA bill of lading is a document that details a shipment of goods, which is picked up by a carrier from a shipper. Included on the bill of lading is the type and quantity of goods being shipped, and information as to destination of the shipment. The bill of lading also doubles as a receipt for the receiver of the […]
Read moreResignation is the process of stepping down from a job, either voluntarily or involuntarily, with the latter often resulting from less-than-pleasant scenarios. An example of resignation on an involuntary basis may occur when a disgraced C.E.O. is forced to step down from his role with the company, in order to avoid further scrutiny. Once someone has announced or handed in […]
Read moreInsubordination is the act of willfully disobeying a superior, by being disrespectful to that superior, or by refusing to follow an instruction given by that superior. As an example of insubordination, a soldier who disobeys a superior officer in the military is likely to be disciplined. If someone refuses to perform an action that is unethical or illegal in nature, […]
Read moreThe term “glass ceiling” is used to define a limit that is placed on either women or minorities, who are unable to advance in the workplace due to their gender and/or race. The metaphor is believed to have originated during a conversation that occurred in July 1979, between two female coworkers who were employed by Hewlett–Packard at the time. The […]
Read moreDisparate treatment is an element of employment discrimination. The term means that an employee was treated differently than other employees similarly situated, though in a legal sense, the different treatment must be based on the individual’s inclusion in a protected class. Discrimination is prohibited by the U.S. Constitution, and as such, the wronged person may take his case before the […]
Read moreA corporation is a legal business entity in which the owners are protected from liability for the company’s actions and financial status. Completely separate from the owners or shareholders, a corporation may exercise most of the rights and responsibilities that an individual business owner would possess, which means that a corporation may enter into contracts, borrow money, sue and be […]
Read moreThe term appraisal refers to the act of assessing someone, or something of value. Valuations of property are normally done by qualified, impartial professionals, and are commonly associated with the valuation of real property, though valuable personal property is also the subject of appraisal. The value provided as a result of an appraisal may be based directly on commercial value, […]
Read moreWrongful termination describes a situation in which an employee has been terminated from his job, and the termination breaches terms of his employment contract, or is otherwise not in accordance with state or federal employment laws. This legal term was born with the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, which made firing an employee based on race or creed illegal. […]
Read moreWorkplace harassment, also referred to as “workplace mistreatment,” or “workplace bullying,” occurs when a person is harassed by another employee based on his or her race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Workplace harassment includes any unwanted conduct towards another person in the workplace, and is against the law in all states. To explore this concept, consider […]
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