What is one possible penalty for violations of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act?

The Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act is designed to protect individuals from discrimination based on various characteristics, including race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. One of the significant aspects of this law is the provision for compensatory damages.

When an individual suffers harm due to violations of their civil rights under this act, they may pursue legal action and be awarded compensatory damages. These damages can include reimbursement for lost wages, emotional distress, or other financial losses directly related to the discriminatory actions. The term “unlimited” in this context highlights that there is no predetermined cap on the amount of compensatory damages that can be awarded, allowing the court to determine a fair compensation based on the specifics of the case. This serves as a strong deterrent against discrimination and provides a remedy for those affected.

Other penalties, while potentially applicable in different contexts, are not directly outlined as consequences under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. For instance, while prison time could be a penalty for criminal acts like hate crimes, it is not a standard outcome for civil rights violations. Similarly, community service and employment restrictions are not primary consequences for breaches of this act. The focus of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act rests on making victims whole through