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Discrimination and Equal Treatment

In little more than three decades since the Sex Discrimination and Race Relations Acts, principles of law prohibiting discrimination have developed exponentially.  Change is particularly evident in the public sphere, where anti-discrimination laws have been coupled with positive duties to promote equality and diversity.  However, development has proceeded in a piecemeal and uneven fashion.  Discrimination and equality law possesses many common strands but also conceals many traps for the unwary.

The exercise of power by public bodies is subject to discrimination and equal treatment  principles in fields such as employment, the formulation of policy, education and access to goods, services and facilities.  In some fields, the categories of prohibited forms of discrimination have expanded to include disability, sexual orientation, religion and belief and age.  Underpinning much of the legislation and case law in this area is EU law and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).  Knowledge and understanding of the sources of discrimination and equality law are essential for the correct application of the law to the facts, and success for our clients.

Monckton Chambers is exceptionally well placed to provide members who have argued cases which have led to landmark judgments on concepts of discrimination law in the European Court of Justice and House of Lords, as well as members who have practical experience of applying these concepts in domestic courts and tribunals.

Notable cases include (please click on the links for details):