The California high court is deliberating the standard of proof required to prove employment discrimination in “mixed motive” cases under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. Harris v. City of Santa Monica, No. S181004 (Cal. Dec. 4, 2012). In these cases, the employer asserts it would have terminated or taken other adverse action against an employee, regardless of any alleged discrimination. At the oral argument, the California Supreme Court justices appeared divided regarding the appropriate standard, questioning both the employer’s argument that “but-for” causation is required to impose liability and the employee’s argument that liability may be imposed if discrimination is “a motivating factor” in the employer’s decision. Some justices suggested that liability could be imposed if the discrimination was a “substantial factor” in the decision.
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