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Craigslist wins discrimination lawsuit
By admin | March 16, 2008
After several years of litigation, a three-judge panel of the U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on March 14, 2008 in favor of Craigs list over a discrimination lawsuit brought by Chicago Lawyers.
The suit, filed back in 2006, was brought because the plaintiffs lawyers claimed it violated the Fair Housing Act of 1968 by publishing discriminatory advertisements. Craigslist has become a powerhouse on the internet with more than 30 million people a month who post offers to buy, sell or rent goods and housing. Craigslist permits anonymous users to post free ads, which are unedited, unscreened and of unlimited length.
The ads the plaintiffs said it spotted on Craigslist contained language like “African-Americans and Arabians tend to clash with me” and “No kids allowed.” Other ads they claimed gave requirements like “single occupancy only” or “no minorities.”
The Federal Court of appeals ruled that Craigslist is not the publisher of the ads, as a newspaper would be and therefore did not come under the U.S. Fair Housing Act.
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Topics: guest-blogger |
March 22nd, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Seems like the lawyers filing in this case should have known that they couldn’t win this case.
If they were so lawsuit happy, they should have gone after the people discriminating.
although the landlord should be able to accept or reject whoever they want to.
Having to rent to just anybody is not a good or realistic law if a law at all. James
March 25th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
This is the first time hearing about craigslist lawsuit..so I am not sure what the lawsuit is all about in detail..but i also think a landlord should be able to accept or reject who ever they want..if he discriminates people thats his deal i personally wouldnt want to live in a place where your landlord doesnt like you..so I would like to know upfront..
May 2nd, 2008 at 6:03 pm
hugh i agree with your comment..My friend had a similar issue..but he decided not to live in a place where you are not liked..
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:35 pm
This is good to know, it’s hard to tell though how you can go and define Craig’s list. What are they deemed as under the law?
May 4th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
James @ NightClub Los Angeles,
The reason why the lawyers went after Craigs List is because they have the deep pockets there.
Lawyers generally don’t go after judgment proof defendants.
May 17th, 2008 at 2:34 am
Wow, its good to hear Craig’s list won. I’m personally sick and tired of hearing about these frivolous lawsuits filed by either over-sensitive or greedy people trying to make a quick buck off hard working folks. My two cents: if ya need the money get a job and work like the rest of us… if something offends you, stay away from it! Life is tough… wear a helmet.
May 25th, 2008 at 7:35 am
Craigs list is a valuable site that helps people for free. I am glad to hear the good news.
May 27th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
Im glad craig list won..fair judgment..Such a great site for everyone..
June 8th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
It was a very good decision by the court.