Equal Access to Courts Act

Summary

Equal Access to Courts Act - Sets forth the findings of Congress that serious inequities exist between the Federal Government and individuals, companies, unions, other organizations, and State and local governments in terms of the ability with which each is able, without economic hardship, to prevail in the courts and administrative proceedings. Requires that court costs and expenses for witnesses be awarded to the prevailing party, other than the United States, in any civil action brought by or against the United States to the extent that such party prevails. Permits such judgment to a nonprevailing party in such an action in the interest of justice. Requires award of reasonable attorney's fees in such action or Federal agency proceeding if judgment is rendered, or settlement, award, compromise, or recommendation is made in favor of any party other than the United States, after the United States or the Federal agency is notified that a party has retained a specified attorney. Requires that specified costs and expenses be awarded to a party, other than the United States, in a Federal agency proceeding when such party is successful in a defense against imposition of a sanction, or issuance of an order affecting the freedom or property of such party. Requires compensation for reasonable attorney's fees and costs of defense against a charge at trial and on any appeals of a defendant in a criminal case if such defendant: (1) pleads and is found not guilty; (2) the charge is dismissed; or (3) a finding of guilty is set aside on appeal. Sets forth the procedures for payment of such compensation. Stipulates that such compensation in civil actions or Federal agency proceedings shall be in addition to the compensation, if any, awarded in any judgment.

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Timeline

1. 9 August 1976

   Introduced

   Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary.

   Source: IntroReferral

2. 9 August 1976

   Introduced

   Introduced in House

   Source: IntroReferral

3. 9 August 1976

   Introduced

   Introduced in House

   Source: IntroReferral

Votes

No vote records are attached yet.

Versions

No version snapshots stored. Document URLs remain at the source.

Documents

1 official file

• Introduced in House

  summary · EN · 9 August 1976

  Open at official source

Sponsors

• Rep. Broomfield, William S. [R-MI-19] · R · Sponsor
• · hsju00 · Standing

Related records

• related to ← Equal Access to Courts Act