disparate impact
disparate impact (dis-p[schwa]-rit). The adverse effect of a facially neutral practice (esp. an employment practice) that nonetheless discriminates against persons because of their race, sex, national origin, age, or disability and that is not justified by business necessity. • Discriminatory intent is irrelevant in a disparate-impact claim. — Also termed adverse impact. [Cases: Civil Rights 1033, 1140. C.J.S. Civil Rights §§ 18, 20, 23–24, 29, 144.]
