The most recent uptick in pro-employee rulings in sexual harassment cases within US federal district courts correlates with the rise of the #MeToo movement in late 2017, according to a study published earlier this month. The publication, expected to be a part of the Washington and Lee Law Review, took an interested look at a total of 163 cases that were fully litigated at either the district or appellate court level under Title VII from January 2016 to May 2020.
Intriguingly, the research revealed a sevenfold increase in the possibility of a verdict in favor of the plaintiff following the commencement of the #MeToo movement. However, the trend did not appear to carry over to appeal cases. The report notes a decrease in successful plaintiff outcomes in harassment situations at the appeal level after the movement started gaining wide-spread attention.
This shift in judiciary leanings illustrates the significance and broader implications of social movements like #MeToo. Beyond the immediate attention and momentum they generate, these developments can lead to lasting institutional changes that directly impact areas such as legal rulings. The study reflects the powerful interplay between public sentiment, popular movements, and formal legal systems.