Document: 416 U.S. 696 94 S.Ct. 2006 40 L.Ed.2d 476 Carolyn BRADLEY et al., Petitioners,v.SCHOOL BOARD OF CITY RICHMOND al. No. 72—1322. Argued Dec. 5, 1973. Decided May 15, 1974. Syllabus The District Court on 26, 1971, awarded to the successful plaintiff-petitioners, Negro parents and guardians, in this protracted litigation involving desegregation of Richmond, Virginia, public schools, expenses attorneys' fees for services rendered from March 10, 1970, January 29, 1971. On petitioners had moved additional relief under Green v. County School Board New Kent County, 391 430, 88 1689, 20 716, which held that a freedom-of-choice plan (like one previously approved Richmond schools) was not acceptable where methods promising speedier more effective conversion unitary school system were reasonably available. Respondent then conceded it been operating constitutional. After considering series alternative interim plans, April Board's third proposed plan, order allowing followed shortly thereafter. Noting absence any explicit statutory authorization such an award type case, court predicated its ruling grounds (1) actions taken defenses made by during relevant period resulted unreasonable delay causing incur substantial expenditures secure their constitutional rights, (2) plaintiffs kind acting as 'private attorneys general,' Newman Piggie Park Enterprises, Inc., 390 400, 402, 964, 966, 19 1263, leading into compliance with law, thus effectuating guarantees nondiscrimination. Appeals reversed, stressing 'if awards are be promote policy expressed legislative action, they should authorized Congress courts.' Following initial submission case but before decision, enacted § 718 Education Amendments 1972, granted federal authority prevailing party areasonable attorney's fee when appropriate upon entry final applicability other considered. In cases, did apply prior July 1, date 718, reasoned there no orders pending or appealable either award, therefore could used sustain award. Held: Section can applied provision enacted, situation like here involved propriety resolution appeal statute became law. Pp. 710—724. (a) An appellate must law effect at time renders Thorpe Housing Authority City Durham, 393 268, 281, 89 518, 525, 21 474, unless application would work manifest injustice is direction history contrary. 711—716. (b) Such result 'in mere private cases between individuals,' United States Schooner Peggy, 1 Cranch 103, 110, 2 L.Ed. 49, determinative factors being nature identity parties, impact change those rights. Upon consideration aspects (see infra, (c)—(e)), cannot said cause injustice. 716—721. (c) There disparity respective abilities parties protect themselves, involve merely interests. Petitioners service community itself bringing mandate attorney general' vindicating policy. 719. (d) Application does affect matured unconditional having right funds allocated taxpayers. (e) No increase burden imposed since alter responsibility providing pupils nondiscriminatory education, substantive obligation parties. 718—719. (f) erred concluding inapplicable petitioners' request because unresolved appeal, language read mean simultaneously order, district have discretion costs incident disposition matters. 721—723. (g) Since allowance yet 'prevailing party' within meaning recomputed 723—724. 472 F.2d 318, vacated remanded. William T. Coleman, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa., petitioners. George B. Little, Va., respondents. Mr. Justice BLACKMUN delivered opinion Court. litigation, plaintiff-petitioners 53 F.R.D. 28 (ED Va.1971). Fourth Circuit, judge dissenting, reversed. 318 (1972). We certiorari, 412 937, 93 2773, 37 396 (1973), determine whether proper. Pertinent issue enactment 1972 Title VII, Emergency Aid Act, U.S.C. 1617 (1970 ed., Supp. II), part Pub.L. 92—318, 86 Stat. 235, 369. * suit instituted 1961 11 guardians against city class action Civil Rights Act 1871, 42 1983, desegregate schools. 16, 1964, after extended consideration,1 'freedom choice' every pupil permitted attend pupil's parents' choice, limited only requirement transfer lack capacity sought. sitting en banc, affirmed, two judges dissenting part, satisfied obligations. 345 310 (1965). saw error trial court's refusal allow plaintiffs' than nominal ($75). Id., 321. dissenters referred 'egregiously inadequate.' 324. petition writ Court, per curiam, 382 224, 15 187 (1965), summarily improperly denied full evidentiary hearing claim racially based faculty allocation constitutionally inadequate Brown Education, 347 483, 74 686, 98 873 (1954). vacating judgment remanding we expressly declined pass merits noted further judicial review following precluded. 105, 225. 3 required hearing, 30, 1966, revised plan2 submitted agreed App. 17a. It provided if steps 'do produce significant results 1966—67 year, recognized freedom choice will modified.' 23a. This operation about four years. While effect, 716 (1968), decided. available, acceptable. 439—441, S.Ct., 1694—1696. 4 Thereafter, filed motion light opinions Green, supra, Alexander Holmes 19, 90 24 (1969), Carter West Feliciana Parish Board, 290, 608, 477 (1970). Specifically, asked 'require defendant board forthwith put effect' 'promptly realistically convert schools non-racial system,' 'award reasonable (petitioners') counsel.' 25a. ordered advise operated accordance requirements . enunciated Supreme Court.' 27a. statement promptly averred best knowledge belief decree has 'been advised' 'not most recent enunciations 28a. also asserted requested Department Health, Welfare make study recommendation; undertake do 1; submit later 11. Ibid. however, entered formal enjoining defendants 'to disestablish existing dual system' replace 'with system.' See 317 F.Supp. 555, 558 Va.1970). several intervenors plans. 5 offered HEW unacceptable June 1970. 572. concerned fact voluntary Court's decision years before, id., 560, plan's failure consider patterns residential segregation fixing zone lines use transportation tool, despite Swann Charlotte-Mecklenburg 431 138 (CA4 1970), aff'd modified, 402 91 1267, 554 (1971), racial zoning, approval thereof Wanner Arlington 357 452 1966). F.Supp., 577—578. rejected plans petitioners.3 6 A second deemed unsatisfactory certain respects. Nonetheless, August 17 found adoption basis 1970—1971 necessary, year begin weeks.4 578. directed file days report setting out create earliest practical effect.' 7 three Hearings these still another petitioners.5 adopted reassignments extensive city. 325 828 Va.1971).6 8 Meanwhile, leave boards governing bodies adjoining Chesterfield Henrico Counties, well Virginia State serve entities third-party complaint compel them take all necessary bring consolidation systems merger boards. defense convening three-judge court. 324 9 integration Counties. 338 67 Va.1972). holding state-imposed 'completely removed' justified showing some violation establishment maintenance separate districts. 462 1058, 1069 cross-petitions writs certiorari. 409 1124, 936, 35 255 (1973). argument, Appeals' affirmed equally divided 92, 1952, 36 771 II 10 included, noted, pivotal That renewed 2. 66a. first suggested, letter attempt reach agreement fees. When reached, called supporting material briefs.7 due course counsel amount $43,355 $13,064.65. 28, 43—44 actions, 34, rooted general equity power.8 First, observed decisions demonstrated awarding evidence revealed obstinate noncompliance process purposes harassment affording rights clearly owed.9 Applying test Circuit F.2d, 321, sought 'the unnecessary compelled board's unreasonable, obdurate obstinacy.' Examining least 1968 default duty Green. reluctant characterize engendered view ongoing development legal standards, caused and, result, money rights.10 12 As circumstances persuaded authorize payment sections 196411 present even greater degree litigation. 1970—1971, characterized complex issues pressed behalf large classes lawyers' little likelihood compensation monetary damages. If forced bear fees, few aggrieved persons position public's interests system. Reasoning curiam 1263 Judge thereby guarantee nondiscrimination rendering F.R.D., 41—42. 13 Appeals, reversing, emphasized area plainly illuminated left 'lingering doubt' proper procedure followed,' particularly uncertainties impending (1971). 327. felt provide specifically scheme designed purpose, may fairly accepted so purposefully,' 330—331. 14 VII grants case.12 heard argument litigation.13 see 2(c)(1), 236, compensable statute. Thompson Newport News, 177 1972). instant that, effective, III Northcross Memphis Schools, 427, 428, 2201, 2202, 48 plaintiff 'should ordinarily recover special render unjust." decide today question open Northcross, namely, 'whether authorizes insofar incurred section came 429 n. 2, 2202. 16 relief, implement noninterim approved. appealed 718. question, properly viewed, then, simply relating retroactive enactment, rather, past distinction takes place while direct hand, judgment14 collateral attack,15 hand. Linkletter Walker, 381 618, 627, 85 1731, 1736, 601 review. 18 anchor our principle doing origin justification rule words Chief Marshall L. Ed. 49 (1801): 'It true province enquire erroneous not. But subsequent court, intervenes positively changes governs, obeyed, denied. I know contest obligation. individuals, ought struggle hard construction will, retrospective operation, great national concerns according laws, set aside judgment, rightful rendered, aside.' 110.16 wake remained unclear occurring given where, terms, convention or, conversely, clear indication cases. For very long clarify issue.17 22 Ultimately, 474 broader reading Peggy adopted, ruled 'an decision.' 526. secured state eviction North Carolina, Durham Thorpe, 267 N.C. 431, 148 S.E.2d 290 (1966), 385 967, 87 515, 432 Urban Development new procedural prerequisite eviction. remand proceedings might directive, 386 670, 1244, 394 (1967), adhered decision. 271 468, 157 147 (1967).18 again 942, 1045, 1130 (1968). review, although circular effecting indicate events transpired issuance,19 was, nonetheless, anyone residing housing project promulgation. recited quoted above, reasoning 'has constitutional, statutory, judicial,' U.S., 282, 526 (footnotes omitted), equal force administrative agency pursuant authorization.' stands proposition interviewing explicitly recite recognition effect. 23 Accordingly, reject contention stated intention legislature.20 neither nor purports hold courts always laws contrary,21 note supportive position,22 seem implicit support cases.23 B exceptions 'had prevent injustice,' citing Greene States, 376 149, 84 615, 576 (1964).24 Although precise category exception applies delineated, suggested implored 'struggle parties.' Cranch, 49. perceive threat case. decline, accordingly, categorize Thorpe's rule. 25 relative possible working center 26 consist, publicly funded governmental entity, other, children whose education advanced rather vividly described what regarded adequately interests.25 Moreover, different 'mere individuals.' With responsible students who brought require comport engaged routine lawsuit. both itself, mandate, securing benefits assumed flow educational system.26 494, 691. 27 construed, pari passu, 204(b) 2000a—3(b), accommodation subchapter Act. Our discussion latter apt context litigation: 'When 1964 passed, evident enforcement prove difficult Nation rely means broad form only. brings Title, he obtains injunction, himself alone considered highest priority. routinely own advance interest invoking injunctive powers 401—402, 966 omitted). 29 appear anticipated 'great laws.' Indeed, surrounding passage numerous expressions congressional concern intent respect statute, proclaim status concern.'27 30 aspect arise relates effected change. refused intervening concluded infringe deprive person become unconditional. 160, 621; Claridge Apartments Co. Commissioner Internal Revenue, 323 141, 164, 65 172, 185, 139 (1944); Union Pacific R. Laramie Stock Yards Co., 231 190, 199, 34 101, 102, 58 179 (1913). find affected claimed elected These essentially trust public, times subject conditions instructions wished through duly representatives. 31 way, stems possibility unanticipated obligations without notice opportunity heard. careful 'respective HUD annual contributions contract remain unchanged. Likewise, lease petitioner remains inviolate.' 279, 524. Here increased education. Also, From outset, filing original 1961, conscious conduct theories, discussed pay Even assuming uncertainty regarding obligations, known, common-law availability preclude incurring costs. 32 serves source potential impose unforeseeable it. 33 date, 'manifest term Peggy. C Finally, disagree conclusion terms 'because 'final order' appeal,' 331, arguable party,' included developments indicated disapproved 26. Its begin. ultimately Surely, order. instead, expectedly makes existence unmanageability simultaneity apparent considers typical action. 1970 illustrative. 20, suspending construction, placing ordering 1971.28 expected efficacy over often frequent modifications, many To until entire hardship counsel, discourage institution contrary evidenced J. Moore, Federal Practice 54.70(5) (1974 ed.). Further, matter complexity require, here, taking briefing. undesirable implementation resolve simultaneously. chose address achievement agreement, observed, 337, to- precisely fit 718's beneficiary party.' 1971 'prevailed' 5. Consequently, appropriately include date. This, course, attended remand. 38 applicable situation, beyond remanded consistent opinion. 39 ordered. Vacated 41 MARSHALL POWELL took 1963). Before trial, pupil-plaintiff admitted his admission remaining 10. general, 1961—1962 assignments attendance zones; promotions controlled 'feeder' whereby initially assigned promoted schools; handling requests pupils, meet criteria white same scholastic aptitude subject. declined, grant pupils. reversed part. individual minor entitled others represented similarly situated, continuation discriminatory practices exist. 438. Under undertook eliminate assignment pupils' assure opportunities 'for associate schools.' 21a—22a. Generally, child grade. specific correct inequality enrollment relationship close proximity each differences, efforts acquaint planning creation citywide centers, including workshops, institutes, seminars, serving areas 22a—23a. addition, insure 'pattern teachers professional staff among various identifiable intended particular race, color origin, race concentrated all, majority, race.' 20a. program additions perpetuate, maintain, segregation.' utilizing contiguous zoning pairing, satellite noncontiguous together transportation, immediately available facilities opening year. otherwise 572 desegregated employment techniques highly immediate toward end.' 575. principally indigent. problems continued were, importantly, number district's elementary continue 90% Negro, white; high secondary identifiable. 572—576. Plan proximal geographic making assignments. meant nearest home regard resulting composition school. recognizing desirability neighborhood determined fostered At middle levels, half identifiable; level almost 39% isolated 97% 828, 833 II, actively supported, embraced isterim integrate I, pairing zones consolidated. 834. III, busing students, clusters, satellites, balance. elementary, minority-majority student ratio group's projected ratio. 834—844. finding 'a narrower spread' ratios 844—846. 8, disqualify personal bias, 439 Va.1971); modify injunction restraining undertaking planning, 456 February summary costs, damages, 401 315 Va.1970); 51 $46,820 $13,327.56 expenses, total $60,147.56. 94a—95a. discussed, 34—36 Va.1971), on, 'common fund' theory litigant's success confers benefit ascertainable exercise equitable spreading cost litigant benefited efforts. Trustees Greenough, 105 527, 1157 (1882); Sprague Ticonic National Bank, 307 161, 59 777, 83 1184 (1939). felt, based. Mills Electric Auto-Lite 375, 616, 593 (1970), recoverable nonetheless existed situations overriding considerations need recovery.' 391—392, 625. shareholder corporate accomplished misleading proxy statement, 14(a) Securities Exchange 1934, 78n(a). said: 'The produced, never produce, recovery paid rationale.' 392, Hall Cole, 1943, 702 Brewer Norfolk, 943, 951—952 (CA4), cert. denied, 406 933, 92 1778, 136 (1972); Nesbit Statesville 418 1040, 1043 1969); Williams Kimbrough, 415 874, 875 (CA5 1969), 1061, 753, 755 (1970); Rolfe Lincoln 77, 81 (CA6 1968); Clark Little Rock District, 369 661, 670—671 (CA8 1966); Griffin Prince Edward 363 206 960, 395, 305 (1966); Bell Powhatan 321 500 stated: 'At stage desegregating committing contempt choose first, event come political realities administrators insist ordinary, usual achieving standards. lead mount hope success, callously expense.' 39. 2000a—3(b) party, 1964. Similarly, 2000e—5(k) Equal Employment Opportunity Commission '§ 1617. Attorney 'Upon local agency, (or thereof), comply chapter discrimination color, VI fourteenth amendment Constitution pertain discretion, compliance, costs.' argued 7, 1972. President 23. banc October By appeal' exhausted lapsed, certiorari passed. 622, 1734, Chicot Drainage Baxter 308 371, 374, 60 317, 319, 329 (1940), invalidity attack fixed 'principle absolute invalidity' depends 'particular relations conduct.' Questions 'of vested, status, determinations finality acted previous application, demand examination.' And observed: 'Once premise apply, prohibited applying, retrospectively, weigh demerits looking purpose retard operation.' 629, 1738. Note, Prospective Overruling Retroactive Courts, 71 Yale L.J. 907 (1962); Currier, Time Change Judge-Made Law: Overruling, Va.L.Rev. 201 condemnation seizure French vessel American ship. territorial waters hence, lawful prize. seas. accordingly. France part: 'Property captured, definitively condemned, captured exchange ratifications shall mutually restored.' 107, restored since, virtue 'definitively condemned,' 108, Chambers, 291 217, 54 434, 78 763 (1934), prosecutions, Prohibition dismissed ratification Twenty-first Amendment, absent inclusion saying clause. Carpenter Wabash 309 23, 416, reliance Bankruptcy amendment, railroad receiverships Vandenbark Owens-Illinois Glass 311 538, 61 347, 327 (1941), diversity jurisdiction, follow supreme changing Ziffrin, Inc. 73, 63 465, 621 (1943), Interstate Commerce permit carrier operations, 'A nisi prius requires changed law.' 78, 469. Alabama, 362 602, 80 924, 982 (1960), 1957, 1971(c), Alabama ground State. 1960, 86, authorizing reinstate Freeborn Smith, Wall. 922 (1865); Moores 104 625, 870 (1882), limitations construed way theretofore lower construction; Stephens Cherokee Nation, 174 445, 722, 43 1041 (1899), upheld containing retrospectivity conferring jurisdiction Dawes Commission, rulings below decrees Indian territories final; Dinsmore Southern Express 183 115, 45, 46 111 (1901), relying affirm court; Watts, Watts & Unione Austriaca, 248 9, 100 (1918); Dorchy Kansas, 264 286, 289, 44 323, 324, 68 686 (1924); Missouri ex rel. Public Service Comm'n, 273 126, 47 311, 575 (1927); Sioux Surety 276 238, 240, 239, 72 547 (1928); Patterson 294 600, 607, 55 575, 578, 79 1082 (1935). Carolina 'critical events' occurred circular, '(t)he directive issued.' N.C., 470, S.E.2d, 149. opinion, note: 'While provides records kept commencing issuance, suggestion basic prescribes final.' 673, 1246, (1967). 'legislation manner.' 177, 178 Fifth done same. Johnson Combs, 471 84, Henry Clarksdale Municipal Separate Dist., 480 583, 585 Where provided, indicated, legislation prospective courts, attendant problem, generally lead. See, example, Goldstein California, 546, 551—552, 2303, 2307, 163 (1973); Thompson, 356 216, 227 (CA2 1965), 384 1591, 675 (1966). 'inconclusive,' 87. 178. grew bill $15 million fund litigants incurred, Act.' S. 683, 11(a), 92d Cong., 1st Sess. (1971) (emphasis supplied). reported Senate Committee Labor 1557, clause intact S.Rep.No.92—61, pp. 55—56 section, stricken Senate, 117 Cong.Rec. 11338—11345 place. 11521—11529 11724—11726. House, amendments, deleted mention conference, restored. S.Rep.No.92—798, p. 143 (1972), U.S.Code Cong. Admin.News 2608. Thus, limitation eliminated. Greene, claimant's lost earnings claimant wrongfully discharged, McElroy, 360 1400, 1377 (1959), earlier Defense regulation, give regulation processed. inequity stressed Court: 'In present, Government discharge employee adequate safeguards, conclude requiring, restitution determination validity reasons action—reasons afforded rebut discharge.' 162, 622. 'made injustice.' 43, '(F)rom beginning resources opposing disproportionate. Ranged Attorney's office retained experienced work. Few litigants—even wealthiest—come once formidable suited task 'Moreover, sort enterprise shudder embark. willing job necessarily someone—plaintiff sacrifice intervenes.' 40. Dept. Welfare, Coleman Equality Educational Rights, Racial Isolation Schools Trafficante Metropolitan Life Insurance 205, 364, suit, vindicated Other priority placed Congress. Knight Auciello, 453 852, 853 (CA1 1972) Lee Home Sites Corp., 444 143, 145 1971) (housing); (schools); Miller Amusement 426 534, 537—538 1970) (public accommodation); Cooper Allen, 467 836, 841 (employment). contested, construe appears dealt suitable determining appealability 1291. inclined 'pragmatic approach' finality. Shoe 370 294, 306, 82 1502, 1513, 510 (1962). 1291, 'does last case.' Gillespie Steel 379 148, 152, 308, 199 (1964); Cohen Beneficial Industrial Loan 337 541, 545, 69 1221, 1225, 1528 (1949). Without wishing affirmatively detail venture say determines occasion C. Wright, Courts 101 (2d ed. 1970).

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