Defense Quote by Robert Bork
“By depriving the charged person of any defenses [the rulings] mean that sexual dalliance, however voluntarily engaged in, becomes harassment whenever an employee sees fit, after the fact, so to characterize it.”
About This Quote
Source Legal Opinion: Supreme Court case discussion, 1990s
The ruling removes any protective measures for consensual sexual interactions, allowing them to be labeled as harassment after the fact based on an employer’s judgment.
In simple terms: Consensual acts can be redefined as harassment by employer discretion.
Recognize the need for clear, objective standards in workplace conduct.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- HR training
- policy drafting
- legal counseling
- employee onboarding
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can employers balance protection with fairness?
- What safeguards prevent arbitrary harassment claims?
May overreach and stifle legitimate consensual relationships, creating legal uncertainty.