Legal Document

442 U.S. 366 99 Supreme Court Reporter 2345 60 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 957 GREAT AMERICAN FEDERAL SAVINGS & LOAN ASSOCIATION et al., Petitioners,v.John R. NOVOTNY. Number 78-753. Argued April 18, 1979. Decided June 11, Syllabus After respondent, a former officer, director, and loan officer of petitioner Great American Federal Savings Loan Association (Association) received right-to-sue letter upon filing complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under Title VII Civil Rights Act 1964, he brought this suit against its directors in District Court, alleging that had intentionally embarked course conduct effect which was to deny female employees equal employment opportunity; when respondent expressed support for at meeting board directors, his connection abruptly ended; cause termination employment. Respondent claimed damages 42 Code KF62 § 1985(3) (1976 ed., Supp. II), contending been injured as result conspiracy deprive him protection of, privileges immunities under, laws. Section provides,inter alia, person so may have an action any one or more conspirators. The granted petitioners' motion dismiss, holding could not be invoked because single corporation cannot, matter law fact, engage conspiracy. Appeals reversed, conspiracies motivated by invidious animus women fall within 1985(3), male allegedly such conspiracy, has standing bring provision. court further ruled can source right asserted action, intracorporate come intendment section. Held : redress violations VII. It creates no substantive rights itself but is purely remedial statute, providing civil some otherwise defined federal right—to laws laws—is breached manner Thus, question case whether created VII—respondent alleged violate 704(a) VII, makes it unlawful practice employer discriminate employee opposed made participated investigation proceeding VII—may framework 1985(3). If violation through complainant avoid most if all detailed specific provisions provides comprehensive plan administrative judicial process designed provide opportunity nonjudicial nonadversary resolution claims. Perhaps importantly, completely bypass process, plays crucial role scheme established Congress Unimpaired effectiveness given only deprivation cannot basis Cf. Brown versus GSA, 425 820, 96 1961, 48 402. Pp. 370-378. 3 Cir., 584 Reporter, 2nd 1235, vacated remanded. Eugene K. Connors, Pittsburgh, Pa., petitioners. Stanley M. Stein, respondent. Lawrence G. Wallace, Washington, D. C., States, amicus curiae, special leave Court. Mr. Justice STEWART delivered opinion 1 More than century after their passage, Acts Reconstruction Era continue present difficult problems statutory construction. Chapman Houston Welfare Org., 441 600, 1905, 508. In now before us, we consider scope surviving version 2 1871.1 * John Novotny, began career (hereinafter Association) Allegheny County, 1950. By 1975, secretary Association, member officer. According allegations "intentionally deliberately pursued . ." When Novotny ended. He re-elected secretary; board; fired. His Association's employees, alleges, filed 1964.2 receiving letter,3 lawsuit Western Pennsylvania. laws.4 defendants' dismiss. held not, 430 F.Supp. 227, 230.5 4 appealed. oral argument three-judge panel, reargued en banc Third Circuit, unanimously reversed Court's judgment. 1235. stated Finally, concluded construction did serious constitutional problem.6 5 We certiorari, 439 1066, 830, 59 30, applicability facts Novotny's complaint. II 6 legislative history 1871, originally part, reviewed many times Court.7 section first enacted authorized both criminal actions those who conspired others federally guaranteed rights. Before 19th ended, however, found statute unconstitutional they exceeded congressional power, Harris, 106 629, 601, 27 L.Ed. 290; Baldwin Franks, 120 678, 7 656, 32 766, thus invalidated were later formally repealed Congress. provided remained, years rarely, ever, invoked. what fully considered until 1951, Collins Hardyman, 341 651, 71 937, 95 1253.8 There protected citizens from injuries caused "under color state law."9 Twenty later, Griffin Breckenridge, 403 88, 91 1790, 29 338, accorded too narrow scope.10 fears concerning power theCollins dissolved intervening cases. See supra, 96-97, 104-106, S.Ct., 1795, 1799-1800. Therefore, private conspiracies. 8 discerned following criteria measuring states 1985(3): 9 "To legislation must allege defendants (1) 'conspire go disguise on highway premises another' (2) 'for purpose depriving, either directly indirectly, class persons laws, laws.' then assert conspirators (3) did, done, 'any act furtherance object [the] conspiracy,' whereby another (4a) 'injured property' (4b) 'deprived having exercising privilege citizen States.' " U.S., 102-103, 1798-1799. 10 itself; merely remedy designates. primary case, therefore, 1964 deprived "the laws" meaning 1985(3).11 11 Under cases discrimination are subject As explained Alexander Gardner-Denver Co., 415 36, 44, 94 1011, 1017, 39 147: 12 "Congress 2000e seq., assure equality opportunities eliminating practices devices race, color, religion, sex, national origin. Cooperation voluntary compliance selected preferred means achieving goal. To end, procedure existing local agencies, well Commission, would settle disputes conference, conciliation, persuasion aggrieved party permitted file lawsuit." 13 part plan, State locality fair commission claim. Alternatively, believes himself charge Commission.12 time limitations controlled express statute.13 At several different points, prevents immediate proceedings order encourage conciliation.14 EEOC investigate prosecute complainant's case.15 injunctive relief, specifically including backpay relief.16 majority courts does allow award general punitive damages.17 expressly allows prevailing recover attorney's fees, and, cases, district appoint counsel plaintiff.18 Because authorizes equitable remedies, consistently neither jury trial.19 14 these law. compensatory damages; might follow. plaintiff defendant demand trial. short precise grossly altered.20 15 problem closely akin There, 717 exclusive claims covers. Our conclusion based proposition 16 "[t]he balance, completeness, structural integrity inconsistent petitioner's contention afforded 717(c) supplement other putative relief." 832, 1968. 17 Here, even compelling. Brown, displaced causes arguably available similar 717. contrast, faced implied repeal. exist passage here, 18 This differs markedly recently decided related last century's contemporary conferring conferred withdrawn, sub silentio, subsequent modern statutes. Jones Alfred Haw. Hawai‘i KFH45 A2 Mayer 392 409, 413-417, 88 2186, 2189-2191, 20 1189, housing 1968 property 1866, codified 1982. And Johnson Railway Express Agency, 421 454, 457-461, 1716, 1718-1720, 44 295, work repeal contract same 19th-century 1981. also Sullivan Little Hunting Park, 396 229, 237-238, 90 400, 404-405, 24 386; Runyon McCrary, 427 160, 174-175, 2586, 2596, 49 415.21 19 Somewhat similarly, 147, upheld employee's invocation two alternative remedies discriminations arbitration collective-bargaining agreement, litigation pointed out: "In submitting grievance arbitration, seeks vindicate contractual collective bargaining agreement. asserts independent distinctly separate nature vitiated violated factual occurrence. certainly inconsistency results permitting enforced respectively appropriate forums." Id., 49-50, 1020. 21 involve "independent" rights, basic reasons underlay decision reinforced considerations discussed opinion, conclude true coextensive since prove group require. While incomplete congruity limit damage done eliminate it. put together 22 Accordingly, judgment vacated, remanded consistent opinion. 23 ordered. POWELL, concurring. 25 N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions agree far goes, join views STEVENS' concurring write separately seems me affords unnecessarily limited guidance system. 26 II) broader issue argued us War itself, intended generally subsequently For essentially suggested STEVENS, hold should construed, reach fundamental derived Constitution. unanimous 338 (1971), effect. there attempt white citizens, resorting force violence, Negro use interstate highways. sustaining conspiracy—if implemented—would "right travel" free "invidiously discriminatory" action. declared: 28 "That meant mean apply tortious, conspiratorial interferences others. For, though supporters insisted coverage conspiracies, equally emphatic believe, words Representative Cook, 'that punish assault battery committed State.' [Cong. Globe, 42d Cong., 1st Sess. 485 (1871).] shoals lie path interpreting 1985[(3)] tort avoided giving full purpose—by requiring, element kind invidiously discriminatory motivation stressed sponsors limiting amendment. remarks Representatives Willard Shellabarger, quoted 100 [supra, 1797]. language requiring intent protection, immunities, racial, perhaps class-based, behind conspirators' words, aim enjoyment secured all." 101-102, 1798. reaching conclusion, identified "two sources" (id., 107, 1801) relied 30 "We wholly powers Thirteenth Amendment creating victims conspiratorial, racially aimed depriving them secures men. 31 "Our firmly travel constitutionally protected, necessarily rest Fourteenth Amendment, assertable governmental interference. [Citations omitted.] 'right pass freely State' explicitly recognized 'among National citizenship.' Twining New Jersey, 211 78, 97 [29 14, 19, 53 97]. That right, like citizenship, protect legislation." 105-106, 1800. 33 never particular citizenship," derives Indeed, Congress, exercise Commerce Clause Constitution, less employees. excluded classes employers example, fewer 2000e(b). Nor Constitution create gender-based perpetuated solely 34 rationale accords purpose, history, common understanding statute. Rather doubt reaffirm Griffin.* 35 36 reliance 402, while much POWELL's concurrence, add few my own explain why agreed dissenting Brown. 37 Sections 1983 direct descendants §§ 1871. Statutes-at-Large 13. Neither sections Earlier Term squarely certain rights,1 today unequivocally holds "provides designates." Ante, 372.2 38 used describing encompassed provisions: 1871 Act, predecessor 1983, referred "rights, privileges, States," whereas 2, "equal laws."3 import language, relevant suggests concerned deprivations particular, newly ratified Amendment. effected law, ordinance, regulation, custom, usage State," redress; "conspire highway," redress. individual latter Some badges slavery, interference impairment Private individuals are, actionable without regard involvement.4 40 Other citizenship due Shelley Kraemer, 334 1, 13, 68 836, 842, 92 1161. agency arbitrarily refuses serve persons—Chinese-Americans, see Yick Wo Hopkins, 118 356, 1064, 220—it violates Or take hinders constituted authorities securing treatment, Amendment; 1985(3).5 41 If, acts discrimination—for lawyers practice, Dombrowski Dowling, 459 190, 194-196—they do Protection Amendment.6 Due Process Clauses unequal unfair treatment State, parties. require still claim relief involvement State. requirement context, violation. sex prohibited parties almost enacted. believe rights—let alone statutes yet enacted—I sex.7 43 With additional explanation views, WHITE, whom BRENNAN MARSHALL join, dissenting. 45 releases acting concert liability inflict. entirely dissent. 46 sought 1985(3)1 ground immunities" 703(a) VII,2 prohibits inter sex. Additionally, separately, VII3 discriminated assisted asserting Petitioners review Appeals' 704(a), accordingly, address issue. However, dismissed "deprivation 1985(3)," ante, 378. 47 Unfortunately, VII" refers 704(a). Although stating view intimates relying fact 704(a),4 reasoning way indicates existence prevent seeking 703(a). Clearly, respondent's 704(a)—to retaliation efforts aid distinct implicated Moreover, position peculiar rather necessary relationship between provisions. First, possible rights—as action—by retaliatory Second, protects applicants employment; others, customers suppliers, retaliated provision director employee, apparently able interpret majority's broad 1985(3)" preclude suing coincidentally claim, resulting injury 50 pervasive essential flaw approach reconciliation proceeds characterization "remedial" refer 1985(3);5 andin VII6 1985(3).7 unlike 1983,8 elsewhere guaranteed. seen underlying extends. 51 instance, inflicted him, whose denied. dependent amount laws," gravity suing. 254-255, 413-414, 386 (1969) (Harlan, J., dissenting). 52 circumstance—where denial persons' rights—it sense exclusive, remedy.9 hardly allowing seek "completely bypass" "detailed specific" enforcement mechanisms 375-376. enacting contemplated injuries, quite apart 103, 1798, (1971). Nothing warrant refusal recognize simply involved. III 54 am convinced retain accommodate decade recent era, said impliedly earlier unless irreconcilable conflict them. 173 n. 10, 2595, (1976). 295 (1975); 404-405. Johnson, 390 563, 1231, 132 (1968). Of course, mere overlap modes redressing constitute conflict. See, e. g., 147 (1974); 1189 (1968), cited above. embraced notion "[i]t suspension disbelief ascribe design" vindication Acts. 833, 1968, 402 55 clear occurs directed discrete particularly disfavored form discrimination, examination shows constitutes compatible important prohibition VII,10 sufficient reason sue entitled post-Civil statute.11 56 previously indicated, willingness infer silent gives But incorrect plaintiffs themselves denied 241,12 prohibitions imbued motivation" amounting "class-based animus," 102, Viewed manner, subjected category stands sharp contrast supra; Griggs Duke Power 401 424, 849, 158 suggests, granting overlapping case; independently allowed deprivations. 57 Even extent properly characterized inapplicable apparent assumption greater freedom inferring guaranteeing our previous instance VII's required unmistakable relating employment.13 right/remedy distinction enunciated recognizing intend pre-empt "alternative grievances," 174 2596 quoting Cong.Rec. 3371 (1972) (Sen. Williams).14 respect new incompatible old. 58 aspect consistent, clearly supplementing former. operates thereof, especially threatening.15 believed especial danger posed concert—thereby compounding resources16—to paradigm activity Ku Klux Klan, threat order,17 deemed "giv[e] anybody shall [such] conspiracy."18 conspire reached repeal19 warrants complete obligation honor terms statute.20 exhausted 369, need note, desire undercut scheme, encouragement fulfilled insisting exhaust whatever have. concerns precluding altogether Rev.Stat. 1980, provides: "If Territory another, laws; preventing hindering force, intimidation, threat, lawfully vote, advocacy legal toward favor election qualified elector President Vice President, Member States; injure account advocacy; set forth section, engaged therein do, property, recovery occasioned deprivation, conspirators." seq. 2000e-5(f)(1). alleged, second discharge behalf opportunity, 78 257, amended, 86 109. 2000e-3(a), reads part: "It subchapter, charge, testified, assisted, investigation, proceeding, hearing subchapter." proper valid applies formal informal taken advance purposes Act. note relative narrowness unnecessary where comparable 132. think 338. A partial list opinions Act's includes 608-612, 1911-1913, 508 (opinion Court); id., 650-658, 1932-1936 (WHITE, judgment); 627-640, 1921-1927 (POWELL, concurring); Monell York City Dept. Social Services, 436 658, 665-689, 98 2018, 2022, 611; Columbia Carter, 409 418, 423, 425-429, 93 602, 606-608, 613; 99-101, 1796-1797; Adickes S. Kress 398 144, 162-166, 1598, 1611-1613, 142 215-231, 1633-1641 (BRENNAN, part; Monoe Pape, 365 167, 172-185, 81 473, 476-483, 492 194-198, 487-489 (HARLAN, 225-236, 504-510 (FRANKFURTER, least involved Hague CIO, 307 496, 954, 83 1423, predecessors 1983. Roberts Stone Snowden Hughes, 321 64 397, 497, sections. shown, utilized showing made. Burton dissented, joined Black Douglas. 663, 942. Harlan concurred, reservation. rely, travel. 1801. question, assume decide 2000e-5(b) charges Commission. "State prohibiting establishing authorizing authority grant institute thereto," predicate assertion 2000e-5(c). files locality, notify taking 2000e-5(d). Love Pullman 404 522, 616, 679. requires 180 days "after occurred agency, extended 300 event, end proceedings, whichever sooner. 2000e-5(e). sue" issues EEOC, court. Air Lines, Incorporated Evans, 431 553, 1885, 571. Within Commission's receipt complaint, date, place, circumstances 2000e-5(b), (e). Only unable secure acceptable conciliation agreement employer. await notice suit. dismisses nor Attorney General entered into party. Occidental Life insurance company 432 355, 2447, 2000e-5(a), (b), (f)(1). supra. 706(g) 2000e-5(g), finds engaging charged enjoin affirmative appropriate, include, to, reinstatement hiring back pay (payable employer, labor organization, be, responsible practice), deems appropriate. Back accrue date prior Interim earnings amounts earnable reasonable diligence operate reduce allowable. No admission union, hiring, promotion payment pay, refused admission, suspended, expelled, advancement suspended discharged origin 2000e-3(a) title." Albemarle Paper Moody, 422 405, 2362, 280. Detroit Edison 515 301, 308-310 (CA6 1975); Richerson Jones, 551 918, 926-928 (CA3 1977); collected 926 2000e-5(k) subchapter court, discretion, party, fee costs, liable costs person." Christiansburg Garment 434 412, 694, 648. 2000e-5(f)(1) "[u]pon application deem just, attorney authorize commencement security." Slack Havens, 522 1091, 1094 (CA9 F.2d, 308; Georgia Highway Express, 417 1122, 1125 (CA5 1969); Smith Hampton Training School Nurses, 360 577, 581 (CA4 1966) (en banc). 441-445, 2384-2386 (REHNQUIST, concurring). Circuit applied 6-year Pennsylvania Davis Steel Supply, 335, 337 (1978). 462-466, 1721-1723, 295. Another difference noted 1866 during debates 1972 amendments implicitly repealed. 457-459, 2212-2213; 2189-2191. Specific references 1981 but, significantly, appears 1985. below, 1252 86. doubts will remain insubstantial. although Pay 1963, 77 56, 206(d), raised Hodgin Jefferson, 447 804, 808 (Md.1978). Murphy Operating Engineers, Local Labor Relations Reference Manual (BNA) KF3315 L38 2074, 2124-2126 (ND Ohio 1978) (conspiracy Labor-Management Reporting Disclosure cognizable 1985(3)); ACA International Brotherhood Teamsters, 419 263, 276 (ED Pa.1976) (same). advantage make "Standing alone, since, just concluded, 618, 1916, Senator Edmunds' comment debate: "All suits, every lawyer understands, authorizes, it; citizen. remedy." Cong. Sess., 568 (1871). 376, states: "Section section." form, laws." "and included original however; added 1874 Revised Statutes States. change ever introduced, States." Cong.Globe, App. (1871) (emphasis added). "The enormous sweep led pressures amendment." 100, 1797, substituted. declared unconstitutional, 290, 1088, 1154. distinguished 241 post, 389 5. has, enactment 1870, 141 Griffin, 105, 1800, statement Cases, 109 3, 20, 27, 835, "is upholding absolute declaration slavery involuntary servitude added: men." travel, interference." Ibid. paraphrased "preventing sheds light entire 1161, "erects shield conduct, however wrongful." Unlike presented 415, duty follow decisions erroneously construed actual intent. advocate overruling appear "a significant step backwards contrary mores today." 191-192, 2605 (STEVENS, mind adopted "would amazed legislators voted it." 189, 2603. ., 2000e-2(a). "(1) fail refuse hire individual, compensation, terms, conditions, employment, individual's origin; "(2) limit, segregate, classify tend adversely affect status origin." 2000e-3(a). joint labor-management committee controlling apprenticeship training retraining, on-the-job programs, organization thereof applicant membership, 372 ("The 'the laws' 1985(3)"). 377 [the 704(a)] (Emphasis deleted.) encompasses "fundamental" fashion itself. conceives proceed explicit guarantees. pursue substitution "class-based, action," repeatedly (derived 141), "closest remaining analogue 98, 1796, Waddell, 112 76, 35, 673 (1884); re Quarles, 532, 959, 1080 (1895); Mosley, 238 383, 387-388, 904, 905, 1355 (1915); Price, 383 787, 800, 1152, 1160, 267 (1966); 565-566, 1233, Similarly, Edelman Jordan, 675, 1347, 1361, 662 Rosado Wyman, 397 1207, (1970). Organization, 646, 1930, (1979) judgment). Athough 102 9, race vindicated correctly assumes answer "Yes". broadly limitation granted. sufficiently infra, 392. Califano Goldfarb, 199, 1021, 270 (1977); Reed Reed, 71, 251, 225 (1971); Mathews Lucas, 495, 506, 2755, 2762, 651 analogous prosecution public accommodations 2000a. 1908; 623, 1919 1930 672, 1944 (STEWART, 706(b) contemplates "on person[s] aggrieved" 703 704. is, theoretically fruition period exceed years. 706(g), 2000e-5(g). nn. 5, 7, asserts, 378, Services Administration," consideration assertedly remedial. utterly fails —clear intent—is applicable case. context extension enacted, stressing impression effective which, 1964. reaffirmed ' "manifests statutes," 459, 1719, 48, 1019, (1974). 2596. irrelevant thereunder Hagans Lavine, 528, 1372, 577 (1970) (cause statute); (1968) (prosecution (1884). Callanan 364 587, 593-594, 321, 325, 312 (1961); Krulewitch 336 440, 448-449, 69 716, 720-721, 790 (1949) (Jackson, Pinkerton 328 640, 654, 66 1180, 1187, 1489 (1946). 665, 611 (1978); 99-102, Edmunds). remark excerpted instructive: observed, punishment pursuance various ways named, pursuant give them; say, overthrow Government, impede justice, people be. provide, punishes leaving fit, crimes confess thought myself desirable, bill complete, logical effective, punishing crime." recognizes grievances 21. H.R.Rep. 92-238, Page (June 1971); S.Rep. 92-415, (Oct. 28, 1971), U.S.Code Admin.News 1972, 2137. resurrect supra interment 1253 (1951), week House Report filed; mentions Senate mention Griffin. argue grants petitioners dispute needs prohibit, for,

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