Joseph Emmett Wadsworth v. Eugene Clindon, Joseph Emmett Wadsworth v. Eugene Clindon

In this appeal the facts are largely undisputed. Defendant, Clindon, who is white, refused to rent his cottage to plaintiff, Wadsworth, who is black. Plaintiff brought this action under the Fair Housing Act of 1968, 42 U.S.C. §§ 3601, et seq., and the Civil Rights Act of 1866, 42 U.S.C. §§ 1981 and 1982.

Prior to trial defendant admitted liability under the Fair Housing Act and the Civil Rights Act, Sections 1981 and 1982. Trial proceeded on damages only. The jury returned a verdict for plaintiff for $1000 compensatory damages and $5000 punitive damages.

I

Post-trial motions raised the issue of…