What standard will a court typically use to assess a sexual harassment claim?

The reasonable person standard is the correct choice for assessing a sexual harassment claim because it evaluates the situation based on how a typical, reasonable person would perceive the behavior in question. This standard is pivotal in sexual harassment cases, as it helps determine whether the conduct was inappropriate or offensive by objectively considering the context and the perspectives of an average individual.

This approach aims to strike a balance between subjective experiences and objective behavior, ensuring that claims are assessed fairly and consistently. The reasonable person standard allows the court to consider various factors, including the nature of the conduct, the context in which it occurred, and any established norms or expectations in the workplace.

By utilizing this standard, the court can more effectively determine if the actions in question could be deemed as harassment, which is crucial for protecting individuals from unfair treatment in a professional environment.