Professor-Student Team from Stanford Law School’s Rhode Center Wins 2026 Civil Justice Scholarship Award
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A recent award-winning paper reveals how the #MeToo movement has shifted the landscape of civil cases involving sexual harassment and abuse. Prior to this movement, many cases were settled with confidentiality agreements, often silencing victims. The research highlights the implications for legal practices and victim advocacy, suggesting a growing trend toward transparency in these cases.
Stanford Law School Team Receives 2026 Civil Justice Scholarship Award
A collaborative research effort from Stanford Law School's Rhode Center has won the 2026 Civil Justice Scholarship Award for its impact on transparency in civil cases involving sexual harassment and abuse.
Many civil cases in this domain concluded with settlements requiring confidentiality, preventing public knowledge of details and outcomes. The award-winning paper by Professor Jane Smith and her students addresses these confidentiality agreements and advocates for more transparent legal practices.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The research reveals that reliance on confidentiality in settlements perpetuates a culture of silence around abuse, hindering justice for victims. Key findings include:
- Analysis of over 200 civil cases involving sexual harassment, highlighting the prevalence of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).
- Data showing a significant percentage of these cases remain undisclosed, limiting public awareness.
- Recommendations for legal reforms encouraging transparency and protecting victims' rights.
The Rhode Center emphasizes the need for policy changes to eliminate mandatory confidentiality clauses in settlements related to sexual harassment. Such reforms could lead to a more informed public and discourage misconduct.
Impact
The Civil Justice Scholarship Award recognizes the research's potential to influence legislative change. The team plans to present their findings at upcoming legal conferences to engage with policymakers and advocacy groups.
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📰 Original Source: https://law.stanford.edu/press/professor-student-team-from-stanford-law-schools-rhode-center-wins-2026-civil-justice-scholarship-award/
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