Question 17

A complainant in a discrimination case under the Federal Fair Housing Act MUST prove only that discrimination occurred.

To prevail in a discrimination case under the Federal Fair Housing Act, a complainant is required to demonstrate that discrimination has taken place, without the need to prove intent or provocation.

A) only that discrimination occurred.

This option is correct because the Federal Fair Housing Act focuses on the occurrence of discriminatory practices rather than the intentions behind those practices. The complainant must present evidence showing that they faced discrimination based on protected characteristics, fulfilling the requirement to establish a violation of the Act.

B) that discrimination occurred and was not provoked.

This option is incorrect as it introduces the unnecessary requirement of proving that the discrimination was not provoked. The Fair Housing Act does not require complainants to show that their actions led to the discrimination; rather, it emphasizes the act of discrimination itself.

C) that the accused party intended to discriminate.

This option is also incorrect. The Fair Housing Act does not necessitate proof of intent to discriminate. It is sufficient for the complainant to demonstrate that they experienced discrimination, regardless of whether the accused party had any discriminatory intent.

D) that damages occurred.

This option is incorrect because while damages may be a relevant consideration in a discrimination case, they are not a prerequisite for establishing a violation under the Fair Housing Act. The focus remains solely on the occurrence of discrimination itself.

Conclusion

In summary, the correct answer is that a complainant must prove only that discrimination occurred, which aligns with the provisions of the Fair Housing Act. Options B, C, and D introduce additional requirements that are not mandated by the law, thereby failing to accurately reflect the necessary elements of a discrimination claim.