legal theories of retaliation

Legal theories of retaliation involve protecting individuals from unfair treatment or punishment because they exercised their legal rights or opposed wrongful actions. In employment law, for example, an employee is protected if they face adverse actions—like getting fired or demoted—for reporting discrimination, safety concerns, or other legal violations. The core idea is that it’s unlawful to punish or discriminate against someone for standing up against unfair or illegal conduct. Retaliation claims aim to ensure people can exercise their rights without fear of retribution, promoting a fair and lawful environment.