Leasing License Practice Exam

Which entity typically hears fair housing cases if a jury trial is not anticipated?

1. State Court

2. Administrative Law Judge

3. Federal Court

4. Local Housing Authority

The correct answer is: Administrative Law Judge

In fair housing cases, if a jury trial is not anticipated, these cases are typically heard by an administrative law judge (ALJ). Administrative law judges operate within governmental agencies and are tasked with making decisions on disputes involving regulations, including those related to fair housing. They provide a specialized forum where issues can be examined in detail and resolved based on the facts presented and the applicable law. This venue is often used because it is less formal than a traditional court setting and is designed to handle disputes between individuals and government agencies effectively. The process can be more efficient than court proceedings, which can be time-consuming and costly. While state courts, federal courts, and local housing authorities may also be involved in fair housing matters, they usually cater to different aspects of the law or involve different procedural contexts. State and federal courts would typically hear cases where jury trials are anticipated, while local housing authorities usually handle limited administrative matters involving compliance and complaints at a more localized level. Therefore, when the option for a jury trial isn't present, an administrative law judge is the appropriate authority to adjudicate these cases.