Document: 421 U.S. 454 95 S.Ct. 1716 44 L.Ed.2d 295 Willie JOHNSON, Jr., Petitioner,v.RAILWAY EXPRESS AGENCY, INC., et al. No. 73—1543. Argued Dec. 11, 1974. Decided May 19, 1975. Syllabus The timely filing of an employment discrimination charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, pursuant to § 706 Title VII Civil Rights Act 1964, does not toll running limitation period applicable action, based on same facts, brought under 42 U.S.C. 1981. Thus, in this case where petitioner waited over 3 1/2 years after his cause action for racial accrued before instituting 1981, that suit is time barred by one-year imposed state law notwithstanding fact had filed expired. Pp. 457-467. 6 Cir., 489 F.2d 525, affirmed. Deborah M. Greenberg, New York City, petitioner. Arthur Wisehart, respondent REA Express, Inc. James L. Highsaw, Washington, D.C., Unions. Mr. Justice BLACKMUN delivered opinion Court. 1 This presents issue whether a Commission (EEOC), 78 Stat. 259, 2000e—5, tolls instituted 2 * Petitioner, Johnson, Negro. He started work Railway Express Agency, Inc., now, change name, (REA), Memphis, Tenn., spring 1964 as express handler. On 31, 1967, while still employed REA, but now driver rather than handler, petitioner, others, EEOC was discriminating against its Negro employees respect seniority rules and job assignments. also charged unions, Brotherhood Clerks Tri-State Local Lily Valley Local, maintaining racially segregated memberships (white respectively). Three weeks later, June 20 terminated petitioner's employment. Petitioner then amended include allegation he been discharged because race. issued 'Final Investigation Report' December 22, 1967. App. 14a. report generally supported claims discrimination. It until more two however, March 1970, rendered decision finding reasonable believe charges. And 9 months went EEOC, January 15, 1971, 2000e—5(e) it read, gave notice right institute civil respondents within 30 days.1 4 After receiving notice, encountered some difficulty obtaining counsel. United States District Court Western Tennessee, February 12, permitted file right-to-sue letter court's clerk complaint, satisfaction 30-day requirement. court granted leave proceed forma pauperis, appointed counsel represent him. 18, 'Supplemental Complaint' alleging part defendants, violation unions respectively moved summary judgment or, alternative, dismissal all claims. 5 dismissed 1981 Tennessee's statute limitations. Tenn.Code Ann. 28 304 (Supp.1974).2 Petitioner's remaining were other grounds.3 In appeal Appeals Sixth Circuit, claims, argued suspended during pendency administrative complaint VII. rejected argument. 525 (1973). See Jenkins v. General Motors Corp., 354 F.Supp. 1040, 1045—1046 (Del.1973). Because apparent conflict between ruling, language holdings from Circuits,4 we certiorari restricted issue. We invited Solicitor brief amicus curiae expressing views States. 417 929, 2639, 41 232 (1974). II 7 A. enacted 'to assure equality opportunities eliminating those practices devices discriminate basis race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.' Alexander Gardner-Denver Co., 415 36, 44, 94 1011, 1017, 39 260 creates statutory rights invidious establishes comprehensive scheme vindication rights. 8 Anyone aggrieved may lodge EEOC. That vested 'authority investigate individual charges discrimination, promote voluntary compliance requirements VII, actions employers named charge.' U.S., at S.Ct., 1017. itself action. 2000e—5(f)(1) (1970 ed., Supp. III). If, successful 'voluntary compliance' and, one reason another, chooses sue claimant's behalf, claimant, passage 180 days, demand himself without waiting completion conciliation procedures. H.R.Rep.No.92 238, p. 12 (1971), U.S.Code Cong. & Admin.News, 1972, 2137; McDonnell Douglas Corp. Green, 411 792, 93 1817, 36 668 suit, federal district empowered appoint him, authorize commencement payment fees, costs, security, even allow attorney's fee. 2000e 5(f)(1) III) 2000e—5(k). Where intentional engagement unlawful proved, award backpay order 'such affirmative be appropriate.' 2000e—5(g) backpay, two-year prior Commission. Ibid. Some Courts have ruled neither compensatory nor punitive damages awarded suit.5 10 Despite VII's range design solution problem employment, clearly deprived remedies possesses limited search relief. '(T)he legislative history manifests congressional intent pursue independently both statutes.' 48, 1019. particular, Congress noted 'that available are co-extensive indiv(i)dual's provisions 1866, procedures augment each mutually exclusive.' H.R.Rep.No.92—238, 19 pp. 2137, 2154. S.Rep.No.92—415, 24 (1971). Later, considering Senate amendment would claimant any 118 Cong.Rec. 3371 3373 (1972). 11 B. being present codification 16 century-old 1870, 144, hand, face relates primarily making enforcement contracts. Although has specifically so held, well settled among Appeals6—and join them affords remedy private An who entitled equitable legal relief, including certain circumstances, damages. See, e.g., Caperci Huntoon, 397 799 (CA1), cert. denied, 393 940, 89 299, 21 276 (1968); Mansell Saunders, 372 573 (CA5 1967). specified recovery Section coextensive coverage latter made inapplicable employers. 2000e(b) Also offers assistance investigation, conciliation, counsel, waiver attorneys' items unavailable least specific terms III 13 curiae, concede, they must, independence avenues relief older Jones Alfred H. Mayer 392 409, 416—417, n. 20, 88 2186, 2191, 1189 (1968). Further, resort machinery prerequisites institution Long Ford Motor 496 500, 503—504 (CA6 1974); Caldwell National Brewing 443 1044, 1046 1971), 405 916, 92 931, 785 (1972); Young International Tel. 438 757, 761—763 (CA3 1971). Cf. Waters Wisconsin Steel Works, 427 476, 487 (CA7), denied sub mon. Harvester Co. Waters, 400 911, 91 137, 27 151 (1970). 14 satisfied, also, did expect usually resorted only upon Commission's efforts obtain compliance. Conciliation persuasion through process, sure, often constitute desirable approach settlement disputes sensitive emotional recognize, too, lawsuit might tend deter lack success could weaken induce compliance, privately oriented narrow, broad, application, tends be. But these natural effects choice conferring him independent judicial remedies. valuable one. Under route highly preferred litigatory; others reverse true. disinclined, emphasis existence remedies, infer positive preference other, definite expression legislation enacted, as, example, proscription claim pending. 15 conclude, therefore, although related, directed most ends, separate, distinct, independent. With base established, turn IV Since there no stated otherwise relevant limitations controlling ordinarily appropriate provided law. O'Sullivan Felix, 233 318, 34 596, 58 L.Ed. 980 (1914) (Civil 1871); Auto Workers Hoosier 383 696, 701—704, 86 1107, 1110, 192 (1966) (Labor Management Relations Act); Cope Anderson, 331 461, 67 1340, 1602 (1947) (National Bank Chattanooga Foundry Atlanta, 203 390, 65, 51 241 (1906) (Sherman Campbell Haverhill, 155 610, 217, 280 (1895) (Patent Act). For purposes case, 28—304 (Supp.1974) application.7 Warren Norman Realty 513 730 (CA8 1975). asserted if all, later date discharge. Therefore, absence circumstance period, 1968, complaint. 17 Respondents argue circumstances suspend expressly §§ 28-106 28—115 (1955 Supp.1974) 28—301 (1955). concedes, implicitly, tolling described State's statutes claim. argues, should given broad reach. that, duration bottomed law, governs aspects, such tolling, Without launching into exegesis nice distinctions drawn applying area,8 think suffices say overstated case. Indeed, assume vigorously favor Tennessee said assist cause.9 18 Any limitation, 28—304, understood fully context various particular necessarily arbitrary, length allowed inevitably reflects value concerning point which interests protecting valid outweighed prohibiting prosecution stale ones. virtually chronological interrelated regarding revival, questions application. borrowing application relying wisdom setting limit, exceptions thereto, closely analogous There nothing anomalous novel about this. State followed variety cases raised overtones details 706, 1113 (characterization action); 465—467, 1342 (place arose); Barney Oelrichs, 138 529, 414, 1037 (1891) (absence circumstance). Nor anything peculiar justify special reluctance 198810 suggest contrary C. our primary guide area, not, exclusive guide. As 706—707, 1113, considerations displaced their inconsistent policy underlying consideration. argues failure will seriously remedial humane Specifically, urges embodies strong support means achieving mandate equal opportunity. suggests force plaintiff premature expensive litigation destroy chances 22 possibility above indeed, conceivable, perhaps almost expected, effect pressing complainant values completed proceeding.11 One answer this, satisfactory one, ask stay proceedings completed. fundamental argument lies fact—presumably happy claimant—that retained separate elaborate time-consuming freely concedes accrued; fact, understand unfettered do. very real sense, slept slumber induced faith adequacy little relevance inasmuch truly Moreover, since appears procedural effect, us extend beyond life find excuses take minimal steps necessary preserve independently. V 23 cites American Pipe Construction Utah, 414 538, 756, 38 713 (1974), Burnett Central R. 380 424, 85 1050, 941 (1965), position. Neither helpful. respective periods derived directly reference substantial body significant conflicted statute.12 decision, conflicting protect.13 Finally, importantly, filings depended heavily involved exactly subsequently asserted. factor mere abstract theoretical consideration operated avoid evil designed protect.14 25 ordered. 26 Affirmed. MARSHALL, whom DOUGLAS BRENNAN join, concurring dissenting part. recognizing intended supply related emphasizes importance full arsenal weapons combat public sector. majority stands firm ground victims discriminatory practices. Accordingly, I concur Parts I—III Court's opinion. 29 But, stumbles analysis relation question. concludes (EEOC) relies exclusively discounts policies avoidance unnecessary area. recognizes furthering them. disagree. purpose discouraging intervention risk reviving propriety here. balance, view apply principle undermining foundation frustrating providing alternative dissent sets out close examination statute's underpinnings. According majority, authority borrows 'the (as as) thereto,' ante, 464, 'overtones' general practice, created prescribing enforcement, courts uniformly borrow court. (1966); Holmberg Armbrecht, 327 392, 66 582, 90 743 (1946); (1914). 556 27. 767, governed provision 'actions . (Supp.1974). 462 7. 31 Congress' built-in automatically warrant 'an imprimatur law' sanction supra, 709, 1115 (White, J., dissenting); 394—395, 583; Board Comm'rs States, 308 343, 60 285, 84 313 (1939). when sit enforce rights, obligation equity principles: 32 'When leaves formulation details, can hardly break historic principles federally-created rights.' 395, 584. 33 Moviecolor, Ltd. Eastman Kodak 288 80 (CA2), 368 821, 82 39, (1961). borrowed thus matter implication. Simply stated, must determine favoring continued availability outweigh protected 708, 1114; 35 Emporium Capwell WACO, 420 50, 66, 977, 986, 43 (1975); 1018, 147 (1974); 800, 1823, (1973); Griggs Duke Power 401 429—430, 849, 852, 158 recently observed, 'legislative enactments area long evinced accord parallel overlapping discrimination.' 47, determining effectuated A exposition origins prohibition acts set construing 1982, sister concluded prevent deprivations enumerated 1866 Act, contract. 426, 2195. recognition 459-460, reaffirms early Acts reflect 'speak whatever source.' Griffin Breckenridge, 403 88, 97, 1790, 1796, 338 (1971); see Sullivan Little Hunting Park, 396 229, 400, 386 (1969). 37 1972 amendments demonstrates provide coordinated short emphasized need 1870 legislation, suffer restrictions enactment. H.R.Rep.No. 92—238, S.Rep.No. 92—415, 3370 Congressional sentiment '(b)y strengthening (it) eliminate preexisting Constitution (and had) accorded individuals.' Id., 3371. While encouragement preservation appear somewhat odds, themes reconciled joint purpose: devising flexible network guarantee opportunities. Guerra Manchester Terminal 498 641, 650 Boudreaux Baton Rouge Marine Contracting 437 1017 1971); Macklin Spector Freight Systems, 156 U.S.App.D.C. 69, 86, 30, 478 979, 994—996, Culpepper Reynolds Metals 888 1970). Gardner-Denver, examined relationship compulsory arbitration factfinding process accommodated redress. reasoning leading result equally compelling Forced discourage and/or frustrate recourse congressionally favored '(t)he reduced, litigation, less.' 59, 1025. Constr. 555—556, 767. effort, amendments, strengthen increasing EEOC's ability conciliate complaints frustrated majority's requirement employee conclusion bar limitations.1 Legislative pains costly informal investigatory conciliatory offices readily cannot squared formal mechanistic technical statute. sum, weigh strongly tolling. 40 Examination served indicates adoption rule. Statutes insure fairness defendants preventing revival defense hampered lost evidence, faded memories, disappearing witnesses, unfair surprise. None factors exists informed grievances negotiations. arise factual circumstances. diligently pursued adhered litigation. Now, Johnson asserts good-faith, albeit unnecessary, procedures, interposes cases.2 my judgment, following antitolling position logical produces inequitable result. Aggrieved forced simultaneously prosecuting courts. essence, litigant first explores duplicative either frustration attempts conciliate. No waste derogation process. Adoption principle, protects interest preserving multiple proper function normal consequence works operation event condition. 560—561, 769; 427, 1054, (1965). held initiation class tolled members class, enabling found inappropriate mechanism similar manner viewed Federal Employers' Liability proceeding improper venue. rested defendant 'fulfilled repose certainty inherent period.' 558, 769. fixed statute, rationale adaptable protect subsequent established continuing persons subject arising essentially claim, staleness surprise disappear justification statute.3 Additionally, difference origin equivalent substance. supra. gives grievance filing, like initial Pipe, satisfied provision. 768. 45 avowed foreclose good-faith theory avoids Draconian losing benefits giving up sue, yet preserves nature below point. issuance bring 2000e—5(f)(1), Pub.L. 92—261 III, 4(a), 106. '28—304. Personal tort actions—Malpractice attorney actions—Statutory penalties.—Actions libel, injuries person, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, criminal conversation, seduction, breach marriage promise, suits attorneys malpractice grounded contract tort, damages, both, statutes, penalties shall commenced (1) year accrued.' failed exhaust Labor 577, seq. 102a. address exhaustion Inasmuch, grant issue, occasion here ever exhausted. res judicata grounds. 101a. agreed disposition. 530 1973). included certiorari. 84—86, Loo Gerarge, 374 1338, 1341—1342 (Haw.1974); Howard Lockheed-Georgia 854, 855—856 (N.D.Ga.1974); Van Hoomissen Xerox 829, 835 838 (N.D.Cal.1973). Humphrey Southwestern Portland Cement 369 832, 842—843 (W.D.Tex.1973), rev'd grounds, 488 691 1974). 757 Brown Gaston County Dyeing Machine 457 1377 (CA4), 409 982, 319, L.Ed.id 246 500 476 nom. (1970); Brady Bristol-Meyers, 459 621 1972); petition whereas sought injunctive backpay. Our foreclosed 28—309 (1955) (six contract) 28—310 (10 for), consider impermissible Republic Pictures Kappler, 543, 546—547 1945), aff'd, 523, 991 (1946), enactment accrued, Tenn.Pub.Acts 1969, c. 28, touch pre-existing Hill, Procedural Law Nondiversity Litigation, 69 Harv.L.Rev. At oral advanced just proposition applicability saving 28—106 Tr. Oral Arg. 14. Pet. Cert. 1988 provides: 'The jurisdiction matters conferred chapter protection vindication, exercised enforced conformity laws far suitable carry effect; adapted object, deficient furnish punish offenses common modified changed constitution wherein having extended govern trial disposition cause, nature, infliction punishment party guilty.' unmindful delays attended Chromcraft 465 745 E. I. duPont deNemours 373 1321, 1329 (Del.1974). Burnett, considered three-year FELA limitation. venue improper. liberally allowing transfer improper-venue cases, 1406(a), desirability uniformity anti-trust purported four-year status. light Fed.Rule Civ.Proc. litigatory efficiency actions, effect. note how stake really concerned question compelled conform nationally mandated If respondents, them, presently actually engaged conduct, claimants forfeited assert placing employer opportunity loss disappearance fading memories sudden slumber. Telegraphers 321 342, 348—349, 64 586, 429 (1944). Even ignore span tacking frequently protracted consideration, aprty suggests. Tipler 125, 131 Only complete identity causes protections suggested exist assess influence period. Developments Law—Statutes Limitation, 63 1177, 1185—1186 (1950). Loss deprive recover ample no-tolling discharge activated ran 1968—two receipt letter! proceedings, unusual requiring forecloses timeliness departure rule Consistent understanding entails suspension extension limitations, remains benefit prejudice reinstituted dismissal. falls frame. differences easily limit portions overlapped allegations. Louisville N.R. 505 617 Sanchez Standard Brands, 431 455, 466

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