390 U.S. 400 (1968)
Newman v. Piggie Park Enterprises is a landmark case in the realm of civil rights law, focusing significantly on the desegregation of public accommodations and the interpretation of attorney's fees under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Does Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 allow for the awarding of attorney's fees to plaintiffs who prevail in actions enforcing public accommodation regulations?
Under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, specifically Section 204(b), plaintiffs may be awarded attorneys' fees if they prevail in civil actions enforcing compliance with the Act’s provisions.
The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that plaintiffs who successfully enforce civil rights under Title II of the Civil Rights Act are entitled to an award of attorney's fees.
This case is significant as it illustrates the broad scope of civil rights legislation in addressing not only the substantive rights against discrimination but also the procedural and financial support mechanisms necessary for effective enforcement. The decision fostered greater litigation aimed at eradicating discrimination, as the assurance of recovering attorney's fees encouraged attorneys and plaintiffs to take on cases with civil rights implications. For law students, the case exemplifies the intersection of civil rights, public policy, and legal procedure.