Profiling
/ˈproʊ.faɪ.lɪŋ/
Definitions
- (n.) The practice of examining and classifying individuals based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, or behavior patterns, often used in law enforcement or employment contexts.
The court scrutinized the police department's profiling policies for potential discrimination.
- (n.) Creation of a detailed summary or outline of a person's skills, habits, or history for investigative or analytical purposes.
The company conducted profiling to assess the risk factors associated with the applicant.
Related terms
Commentary
In legal contexts, profiling often raises concerns about discrimination and civil rights, so precision in usage is important to distinguish between unlawful stereotyping and lawful investigative methods.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.