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of fact and issue final orders.

The ALJ system is hardly an innovation. It was created by Congress years ago to relieve the courts of some of their increasingly heavy case load. The ALJs are specialists in their areas of law. The hearing process is simpler than a federal court's. There are no time-consuming jury selections, extraneous motions, recesses, etc. A speedy hearing and decision is virtually assured. One does not need an attorney to represent oneself adequately before an ALJ. HUD would investigate and file the complaint on behalf of the victim.

The ALJ system is used by at least 28 federal departments and agencies. The Fair Housing Amendments provide for independent Administrative Law Judges to hear and decide most fair housing cases, but only after a HUD investigation and finding of reasonable cause.

Cases involving zoning or other state or municipal land use requirements must be referred to the Justice Department for court action.

Q. What if either party doesn't like the ALJ decision?

A. Either party can appeal the proposed final order on an ALJ to the Federal Court of Appeals. A full court review of the case is assured to determine if there is sufficient evidence in the record to justify the ALJ's decision.

Q. Do victims still retain their right to go to court if they choose?

A. Yes. The provision in the current law which enables victims to file a private lawsuit is continued by the Fair Housing Amendments.

Q. Are any other means provided to resolve a housing discrimination dispute?

A. The Fair Housing Amendments provide for conciliation by the parties, which may specify binding arbitration.

Q. What is HUD's role in the process?

A. HUD will continue to receive complaints from persons who believe they have been discriminated against. HUD may also investigate housing practices on its own to determine whether a complaint should be brought. The Department is required by the bill to inform the party charged of the charges and investigate each complaint. HUD also must try to conciliate the case. This entire process of investigation and attempted conciliation must be completed within 100 days. If, after its investigation, HUD has reasonable cause to believe the complaint is true, and conciliation has not been agreed to, HUD will file a charge with

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