Equality: The New Legal Framework

The Equality Act 2010 is a major landmark in the long struggle for equal rights. This book tells the story of how and why it came to be enacted, what it means, what changes it can bring about in British society, and - no less important - what the Act will not do. The Act is the outcome of over 13 years of research, public debate and campaigning, starting with the publication of Equality: A New Framework. Report of the Independent Review of the Enforcement of UK Anti-Discrimination Legislation by Bob Hepple, Mary Coussey and Tufyal Choudhury (Hart Publishing, 2000). The aim of this book is to examine the aims and structure of the new legal framework and to assess the Act against goals of reform set by the earlier review: harmonising and extending the law on status equality; widening the areas of unlawful conduct; changing organisational policy and behaviour including positive duties to advance equality; and improving enforcement of the law. The book will be essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the Act and the wider context of equality law, including students of law and social sciences, human rights activists and lawyers, as well as the general reader.

Table of Contents:
1. The Aims of Equality Law 2. Protected Characteristics 3. Prohibited Conduct 4. Work and Equal Pay 5. Services, Premises, Education, Associations, and Other Unlawful Acts 6. Advancement of Equality 7. Enforcement 8. An Appraisal

About the Author :
Sir Bob Hepple KC, FBA is Emeritus Master of Clare College and Emeritus Professor of Law at the University of Cambridge. He is Chair of the Equal Rights Trust and was formerly Chair of the European Roma Rights Centre, a Commissioner for Racial Equality, a Chairman of Industrial Tribunals, and Senior Vice-President of the United Nations Administrative Tribunal.

Review :
Hepple's book is the first in-depth academic analysis of this complex and wide-ranging legislation, but it is sure to be one of the leading points of reference for future scholars. The book is very well written in a style that happily blends accessible and captivating commentary with perceptive insight and reflection. As such, it will be suitable for a range of readers. Those who are unfamiliar with this area of law, including students, should find this book a valuable introduction to the field. At the same time, there is a richness and depth that will make this book stimulating for the specialists in equality law, whether academic or practitioner. The quality of the book is underpinned by Hepple's personal contribution and participation in the long-running academic and policy debate that preceded the Act's adoption. Making sense of a complex, multi-dimensional legal project such as the Equality Act is challenging, but this book provides genuine insight on the overall impact of the multitude of changes bundled up in the Act. Hepple's thorough and logical analysis will help readers both to understand the substantive content of the Act and also to reflect on the changing nature of British equality law. His willingness to be frank in his criticisms of the Act, as well as his recommendations for future reform, makes this book stimulating, thought provoking and a worthwhile investment for scholars and students of equality law. [The book] admirably fulfils the aim of informing the general reader as well as for 'students of law and social sciences, human rights activists, lawyers'. It will also be essential reading for all those readers who want to understand the past, present and future of discrimination law. ...fascinating new book by Sir Bob Hepple QC...As would be expected from the UK's foremost discrimination law scholar, the book is rich on insights.