What term describes unjust or prejudicial treatment toward a person or group?

The term that describes unjust or prejudicial treatment toward a person or group is discrimination. Discrimination specifically refers to actions or behaviors that result in unfair treatment based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, religion, or other attributes. It is a practice that may lead to individuals or groups being denied equal rights or opportunities and often manifests in various forms, such as social, economic, or legal disadvantage.

While bias refers to a tendency to favor one group over another, which can lead to discriminatory behavior, it does not exclusively denote actions taken. Prejudice, on the other hand, describes preconceived notions or attitudes towards a person or group, which may lead to discrimination but does not constitute the act of treating someone unfairly. Stigma involves negative perceptions and labeling of individuals or groups, which can contribute to discrimination but again speaks more to the perception rather than the action of unfair treatment.

Understanding the definition of discrimination is crucial, particularly in contexts where justice and equality are concerned, such as law enforcement and community relations.