Legal Document

19 United States Supreme Court Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 1263 88 Reporter 964 390 U.S. 400 Anne Pacific KF135 P2 NEWMAN et al., Petitioners,v.PIGGIE PARK ENTERPRISES, INC., al. Number 339. Argued March 7, 1968. Decided 18, Jack Greenberg, New York City, for petitioners. No appearance respondents. PER CURIAM. 1 The petitioners instituted this class action under Title II of the Civil Rights Act 1964, § 204(a), 78 Statutes-at-Large 244, 42 Code KF62 2000a—3(a), to enjoin racial discrimination at five drive-in restaurants and a sandwich shop owned operated by respondents in South Carolina. District held that operation each respondents' affected commerce within meaning 201(c)(2), 243, 2000a(c)(2), found, on undisputed evidence, Negroes had been discriminated against all six restaurants. 256 F.Supp. 941, 947, 951. But erroneously concluded does not cover sort involved case. F.Supp., 951 953. Thus court enjoined only shop. Id., 2 Appeals reversed Court's refusal establishments, 377 Federal Reporter, 2nd 433, 435—436, then directed its attention section which provides 'the prevailing party' is entitled 'a reasonable attorney's fee' court's 'discretion.' 204(b), s 2000a—3(b).1 In remanding case, instructed award counsel fees extent defenses advanced 'for purposes delay good faith.' F.2d, 437. We granted certiorari decide whether subjective standard properly effectuates counsel-fee provision 1964. 389 815, 87, 66. hold it not. 3 When 1964 was passed, evident enforcement would prove difficult Nation have rely part upon private litigation as means securing broad compliance with law.2 A suit thus form only. plaintiff brings an Title, he cannot recover damages. If obtains injunction, so himself alone but also 'private attorney general,' vindicating policy Congress considered highest priority.3 successful plaintiffs were routinely forced bear their own attorneys' fees, few aggrieved parties be position advance public interest invoking injunctive powers federal courts. therefore enacted fees—not simply penalize litigants who deliberately arguments they know untenable but, more broadly, encourage individuals injured seek judicial relief II.4 4 It follows one succeeds obtaining injunction should ordinarily fee unless special circumstances render such unjust. Because no are present here,5 remand include costs assessed As modified, judgment 5 Affirmed. 6 Mr. Justice MARSHALL took consideration or decision 'In any commenced pursuant subchapter, court, discretion, may allow party, other than States, costs, shall liable same person.' 2000a—3(b). connection, noteworthy 2000a—3(a) permits intervention Attorney General privately initiated suits 'of general importance' that, 'in deem just,' district 'appoint (the) complainant authorize commencement civil without payment security.' Only where 'pattern practice' reasonably believed exist institute relief. 2000a—5. See S.Rep. 872, 88th Cong., Sess., pt. 1, 11, 24 (1964); H.R.Rep. 914, 1st 18 (1963); 2, 1—2 (1963). Congress' objective assessment defendants make completely groundless contentions delay, new statutory necessary, has long defense maintained bad faith, vexatiously, wantonly, oppressive reasons.' Moore's Practice, 1352 (1966 ed.). Indeed, even borderline interposed patently frivolous denial manifestly inequitable. Thus, example, 'fact both drive-ins (the shop) * denied (although) could did undertake trial support denials. Includable category defendants' contention, twice pleaded after Katzenbach versus McClung, 379 294, 85 377, 13 290, unconstitutional very grounds foreclosed McClung; contention invalid because 'contravenes will God' constitutes interference 'free exercise Defendant's religion." 437—438 (separate opinion Judge Winter).

Classification Label: 5