The theme, which I have rigorously pursued and developed during my research career, is legal protection for victims of harassment and discrimination.  These terms are used here in their broadest sense and encompass various kinds of undesirable behaviour.  The victims of these types of behaviour have been traditionally disadvantaged because their legal rights have been disregarded and consequently they have been given little or no legal protection (e.g. victims of sexual harassment or stalking). They are often the weaker party in a relationship or someone who is not afforded due care or consideration by another party whose actings adversely affect them.  As a consequence they will suffer economic loss and/or physical or mental harm to their person. Often the legal process they must follow to secure redress is weighted against them.  This could take the form of evidential difficulties (e.g. proving an employer’s vicarious liability in discrimination cases) or having to utilise judicial procedures that are inaccessible.  In some instances there are inherent inequalities between the treatment they receive (e.g. homosexuals, women) within the legal system as compared with members of other groups (e.g. men and heterosexuals). The research is intended to highlight the difficulties faced by these groups and identify possible legal solutions.  It could involve recommendation of a course of action that can be pursued on their behalf by legal practitioners (e.g. applying existing laws that are untried in a particular legal context).  Alternatively the courts handling of a case may be the subject of constructive criticism (e.g. interim relief for victims of stalking). In the context of analysis of legal protection for victims of discrimination and harassment, the Government has often been encouraged to introduce legal rules for the first time to provide protection to disadvantaged groups (e.g. protection of the employment rights of homosexuals and lesbians).  The Government or the legislature have also been encouraged to amend existing legislation to ensure better protection is available or to comply with legislation emanating from the European Union (law on sexual harassment, disability discrimination).  The Government may also be encouraged to change their social policy. This research has identified areas for social change and has either directly or indirectly led to actual or proposed changes in the law.  It has also been partly responsible for improvement in the quality of the protection for legal claimants. Legal representatives have been acquainted with the full scope of legal redress available to their clients. Another feature of my research is consideration of the appropriateness of legal tests or principles to decide an issue (e.g. comparators in discrimination cases).  A substantial part of my research has been concerned with discrimination and the need for equality of treatment within society.  More specifically it is often concerned with protecting someone against behaviour which represents an affront to their person e.g.  harassment, stalking or bullying.  The judiciary is sometimes respectfully requested to reconsider their approach to a legal issue to ensure such victims are given legal protection.

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