Fair Housing

What is 'punitive damages' in a federal fair housing lawsuit?

ADamages limited to actual financial losses suffered by the victim

BAdditional damages awarded to punish intentional or malicious discrimination beyond compensatory damages✓ Correct

CDamages assessed as a penalty for late filing of a complaint

DA reduced damage award for first-time violators

Explanation

In a federal fair housing lawsuit, punitive damages may be awarded in addition to compensatory damages when the defendant's discrimination was intentional, malicious, or reckless. Punitive damages are meant to deter future violations.

People Also Study

Key Terms to Know

Fair Housing Act

Federal law prohibiting discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status.

Steering

An illegal practice where a real estate agent directs buyers toward or away from certain neighborhoods based on the buyer's race, religion, national origin, or other protected characteristics.

Blockbusting

An illegal practice of inducing homeowners to sell by claiming that the entry of minority groups will lower property values.

Redlining

An illegal practice where lenders or insurers deny services or charge higher rates in certain neighborhoods based on the racial or ethnic composition of those areas.