California Real Estate Practice Exam

What landmark case of the U.S. Supreme Court affected fair housing by prohibiting discrimination?

1. Shaffer v. Beinhorn

2. Jones v. Mayer

3. Weinhoff v. Morgan

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: Shaffer v. Beinhorn

The landmark case that significantly impacted fair housing efforts by prohibiting discrimination is Jones v. Mayer. This Supreme Court decision, made in 1968, held that the federal government could prohibit racial discrimination in the sale of property, reinforcing the Civil Rights Act of 1866. The Court ruled that individuals have a right to purchase property without facing discrimination based on race, which solidified protections against racial discrimination in real estate transactions. The importance of Jones v. Mayer is underscored by its role in establishing that private property owners, as well as state actors, could be held accountable for discriminatory practices. This case thus represented a pivotal moment in the struggle for civil rights, particularly in housing and real estate, as it expanded the scope of federal protections against racial discrimination. While the other options listed may have their validity in different contexts, they do not hold the same landmark status regarding fair housing law as Jones v. Mayer does.