In a suit under the amended Federal Fair Housing law, what is the status of punitive damages?

In a suit under the amended Federal Fair Housing law, punitive damages are significant because they serve the purpose of deterring future discriminatory behavior by penalizing the wrongdoer beyond just compensating for actual damages. The law allows for punitive damages to exceed actual damages and there is no statutory limit placed on these punitive damages in cases where malicious intent or egregious conduct is established. This serves as a critical tool in addressing violations of fair housing principles, ensuring that those who engage in discriminatory practices face serious repercussions.

This flexibility in punitive damages reflects the law's broader goal of not only compensating the victim but also discouraging ongoing discriminatory behavior within housing markets, promoting equality and fairness. The absence of a cap allows courts to consider the severity and circumstances of each case, tailoring the penalties accordingly to fit the nature of the infractions committed.