Question 31

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

To obtain a favorable judgment in a discrimination case under the federal Fair Housing Act, it is sufficient for the complainant to demonstrate that discrimination occurred. This means that the complainant does not need to provide evidence of damages or intent to discriminate.

A) that damages occurred.

This option is incorrect because the Fair Housing Act does not require the complainant to prove that damages occurred in order to establish a case of discrimination. The focus is on whether discrimination took place, not on the consequences of that discrimination.

B) only that discrimination occurred.

This option is correct as it aligns with the provisions of the Fair Housing Act. The Act allows for a finding of discrimination based solely on evidence that discriminatory practices were enacted, without needing to prove additional factors such as intent or damages.

C) that the accused party intended to discriminate.

This option is incorrect because the Fair Housing Act does not require proof of intent to discriminate. The complainant only needs to show that discriminatory actions or policies were in place, regardless of the intent behind them.

D) that discrimination occurred and was not provoked.

This option is also incorrect. The Fair Housing Act does not stipulate that the discrimination must be unprovoked. The core requirement is simply that discrimination occurred, without considerations of provocation.

Conclusion

In summary, the only requirement for a complainant under the Fair Housing Act is to prove that discrimination occurred, making option B the definitive correct answer. All other options misinterpret the requirements of the Act by adding unnecessary elements like damages, intent, or provocation, which are not prerequisites for a successful claim.