Court Opinion

ID: 9730482
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 15:13:55.275235+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:26:06.829865
License: Public Domain

MANDERINO, Justice,
concurring.
I do not agree with the majority that legislative authority is lacking for the award of damages by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. See Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission v. Straw, 478 Pa. 463, 387 A.2d 75 (1978) (dissenting opinion of Manderino, J.).
I concur in the result reached by the majority because I find no substantial evidence of humiliation and mental anguish in the record sufficient to support an award for such damages. The only evidence put forward by the Commission for these damages is that complainant was “upset” over being refused the rental. This falls far short of the Commission’s own standards, as set forth in their “guidelines and considerations in Fixing Monetary Damages To Complainant (Adopted by PHRC July 1, 1974). Therein it is stated, inter alia, that “[t]o be compensable there must be something more than mere disappointment or regret.”
The “guidelines” indicate that such damages “must be supported by substantial evidence” such as testimony of a physician or records of prescriptions if a physician has been consulted or medication required; testimony of the complainant or other witnesses as to the effect of the incident; testimony of experts on the effects of such discrimination on emotional health; or introduction of the writings of such experts. The “guidelines” conclude that
*461“The Hearing Panel must scrutinize with care the evidence offered in support of the claim and observe carefully the demeanor of the complainant and complainant’s witnesses and must approach the matter with caution. But if the Panel and the Commission is satisfied that a fair preponderance of the evidence supports the claim, the complainant is entitled to be compensated for his mental distress and suffering.”
Assuming the adequacy of these guidelines for an administrative agency exercising delegated power, the Commission has failed to meet its own standards of proof. I therefore agree that the damages herein claimed must be disallowed.