Under Title VII, which type of damages may a plaintiff recover for intentional discrimination?

Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, a plaintiff who proves intentional discrimination may recover both compensatory and punitive damages, subject to specific statutory limits. Compensatory damages are intended to cover actual losses suffered by the plaintiff, which may include emotional distress, lost wages, and other related costs. Punitive damages can also be awarded to punish the defendant for willful or malicious discrimination and to deter similar conduct in the future.

The availability of these damages underscores the seriousness of intentional discrimination and reflects Congress’s intent to provide robust remedies to victims of discrimination in the workplace. It's important to note that there are caps on the total amount of damages based on the size of the employer, which highlights the emphasis on balancing justice for the victim while not unduly burdening small businesses.

Other options focus narrowly on only one type of damage, such as emotional distress or only punitive damages, which do not encompass the full scope of remedies available under Title VII. Nominal damages would recognize a violation without necessarily compensating the plaintiff for actual losses suffered, which is also a limited remedy compared to what is available through compensatory and punitive damages.