The phrase "a proportionate means" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing methods or approaches that are balanced or appropriate in relation to a specific goal or outcome.
Example: "In addressing the issue, we must ensure that we employ a proportionate means to achieve our objectives without causing unnecessary harm."
Alternatives: "an appropriate method" or "a balanced approach".
However, indirect discrimination is illegal under the Act if cannot be shown to be a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.
But "indirect discrimination" can be justified if it can be shown to be "a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim".
Luckily, we were repeatedly reassured that "any indirect adverse effect on women is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim", which made women doctors feel much better.
And while attempting to tackle terrorism is a legitimate aim, surveillance of an entire community is not a proportionate means of achieving it.
The adjudicator concluded that this was a "proportionate means" and there was no breach of the admissions code as "the arrangements do not unfairly disadvantage a child from any particular racial group".
"The defendant employer may show that, in spite of its negative effect, the provision, criterion or practice, despite its unequal impact, constitutes a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim".
Proportionate means, in this case, as little force as possible.
"Given its unique and privileged position in receipt of substantial and guaranteed public funding, the current proposals remain inconsistent with the BBC's obligations to adopt the least intrusive and most proportionate means of fulfilling its core public service purpose," it said.
He said there was evidence that some attacks were "spilling over the border" from Syria into Iraq, so the UK could use "reasonable, necessary and proportionate means" to help Iraq defend itself.
But what "proportionate" meant was "exactly what we are discussing at present".
Conversely, Lord Rodger and Lord Brown found any indirect discrimination to be a proportionate, measured and unimpeachable means of securing a legitimate objective.
