Simple English definitions for legal terms
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A pattern-or-practice case is a type of lawsuit where someone tries to prove that a company or organization has been doing something unfair or discriminatory on purpose. This could be related to things like jobs, housing, or schools. To win this type of case, the person bringing the lawsuit needs to show that the unfair behavior has been happening a lot and is part of the way the company or organization does things. They also need to show that the people in charge knew about it but didn't do anything to stop it.
A pattern-or-practice case is a type of lawsuit where the plaintiff tries to prove that the defendant has engaged in discriminatory activities systematically. This is often done through policies and procedures that discriminate against a particular group of people. These cases usually involve employment discrimination, housing discrimination, or school segregation.
To win a pattern-or-practice case, the plaintiff must show that the defendant's behavior forms a pattern of actions or is embedded in routine practices. They must also show that the defendant has consistently failed to respond to complaints or implement corrective measures, which suggests executive or official complicity.
These examples illustrate how a pattern-or-practice case can be used to challenge discriminatory policies and practices that affect a large group of people. By showing that the defendant's behavior is part of a pattern or routine practice, the plaintiff can demonstrate that the discrimination is not just an isolated incident but a systemic problem that needs to be addressed.