What type of damages does the Civil Rights Act of 1991 allow in discrimination cases?

The Civil Rights Act of 1991 permits both compensatory and punitive damages in cases of discrimination. This legislation was enacted to enhance the ability of individuals who have suffered from employment discrimination to seek redress.

Compensatory damages serve to reimburse the victims for the actual harm they have experienced due to discrimination, such as lost wages, benefits, and emotional distress. On the other hand, punitive damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. By allowing both types of damages, the Civil Rights Act of 1991 aims to not only make the victim whole but also to send a strong message against discriminatory practices in the workplace.

This dual approach demonstrates a robust legislative intent to address the gravity of employment discrimination and the necessity of holding offenders accountable.