Albemarle Paper Co. v. Moody
Albemarle Paper Co. v. Moody is a significant Supreme Court case that addressed issues of employment discrimination, specifically concerning African American workers at a North Carolina paper mill. Employees alleged that the company's preemployment tests and seniority policies continued to support past discriminatory practices, even after the implementation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. The Court ruled in a 7-1 decision in favor of the employees, determining that the tests were not sufficiently related to job performance and therefore invalid. This ruling mandated the discontinuation of such tests and allowed for back pay as a remedy, reinforcing the importance of compliance with anti-discrimination laws. The case set a precedent that has been referenced in ongoing litigation under Title VII, highlighting its role in promoting fair employment practices. Albemarle Paper Co. v. Moody underscores the legal challenges faced in addressing systemic discrimination in the workplace and the impact of judicial interventions in safeguarding employee rights.
Subject Terms
Albemarle Paper Co. v. Moody
Date: June 25, 1975
Citation: 422 U.S. 405
Issue: Employment discrimination
Significance: Based on Title VII of the Civil Rights Law of 1964, the Supreme Court found that an employer’s screening tests were discriminatory and that the employer must provide back pay for employees who suffered monetary loss due to racial discrimination.
African American employees in a North Carolina paper mill, the Albemarle Paper Company, charged that the company’s preemployment tests and seniority system perpetuated the discrimination that had existed before the passage of Title VII, and they sought back pay relief. By a 7-1 vote, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the employees. Because the tests were judged to be not sufficiently job related to be valid, they had to be discontinued. The awarding of back pay, moreover, provided an appropriate incentive for compliance with the law. The Albemarle Paper Co. decision provided a useful framework for resolving numerous claims under Title VII.