Richardson v Oracle more than half a decade on: Did the ‘ground break’ for victim compensation?

Abstract

In 2014, the decision in Richardson v Oracle significantly increased compensation awards for victims of discrimination and sexual harassment. Commentators referred to the decision as ‘ground-breaking’ and hypothesised that the floodgates would open for sexual harassment and discrimination cases. This article reviews these claims seven years on and asks: did the floodgates open? Case law review and analysis concludes that, while the ground did not break open for victims of discrimination and sexual harassment, it has certainly cracked – although unevenly. As such, more is required to create truly just outcomes for victims in discrimination law.