The Supreme Court of the United States recently issued Staub v. Proctor Hospital. This decision adhered to a “cat’s paw” theory of employer liability for discrimination i.e., the Court found that employers would be subject to liability for discrimination “where lower-level supervisors with discriminatory motives influence, but do not make, adverse employment decisions made by higher-level managers.” (http://www.stoelrivesworldofemployment.com/2011/03/articles/supreme-court/supreme-court-upholds-cats-paw-theory-in-employment-discrimination-cases/) This decision is expected to make it more difficult for employers to resolve discrimination cases through motions for summary judgment.
