Fred Donald Johnson, and Sandra Johnson, His Wife v. Jerry Pals Real Estate, and Erv Jurinek

This civil rights action was filed under 42 U.S.C. §§ 1982 and 3604 2 and was based on defendants’ alleged refusal to show the Negro plaintiffs any suitable residences in Riverdale, South Holland and Dolton, Illinois. Plaintiffs sought $500 in damages plus reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, as well as declaratory and injunctive relief. They also sought $10,000 in exemplary or punitive damages. After a bench trial, judgment was entered in favor of defendants, except in a minor respect. 3

The testimony showed that plaintiffs are a young Negro couple residing in Chicago with their two…