415 U.S. 189 (1974)
Petitioner Curtis, a Black woman, brought this action under Section 812 of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 claiming that respondents, who are white, had refused to rent an apartment to her because of her race in violation of Section 804(a) of the Act.1 In her complaint she sought only injunctive relief and punitive damages, though a claim for compensatory damages was later added.2 After an evidentiary hearing, the District Court granted preliminary injunctive relief enjoining the respondents from renting the apartment to anyone else pending trial on the merits.3
This injunction was dissolved some five months later with the petitioner's consent after she had obtained other housing, and the case went to trial on the issues of actual and punitive damages.4 Respondents made a timely demand for jury trial in their answer.5 The District Court denied the jury request and after trial on the merits found that respondents had discriminated against petitioner on account of her race.6
The District Court awarded $250 in punitive damages while finding no actual damages and denying petitioner's request for attorney's fees and court costs.7 The Court of Appeals reversed on the jury trial issue.8 The Supreme Court granted certiorari in view of the importance of the jury trial issue in the administration and enforcement of Title VIII.9
Whether the Civil Rights Act of 1968 or the Seventh Amendment requires a jury trial upon demand by one of the parties in an action for damages and injunctive relief under Section 812?10
Yes. Petitioner Curtis sought actual and punitive damages under Section 812 for racial discrimination in housing.13 A damages action under the statute sounds basically in tort because the statute defines a new legal duty and authorizes courts to compensate a plaintiff for injury caused by the defendant's wrongful breach.14 The relief sought is the traditional form of relief offered in the courts of law.15
Because Congress provided for enforcement of these statutory rights in an ordinary civil action in the district courts with no functional justification for denying the jury trial right, the Seventh Amendment entitles either party to demand a jury trial.16
The Seventh Amendment requires a jury trial upon demand by one of the parties in this action for damages under Section 812 of the Civil Rights Act of 1968.17