landgraf usi film products argued october decided april bench trial petitioner landgraf suit title vii civil rights act title vii district found sexually harassed coworker respondent usi film products harassment severe justify decision resign position found employment terminated violation title vii entitled equitable relief title vii authorize form relief dismissed complaint appeal pending civil rights act act act became law includes provisions create right recover compensatory punitive damages intentional discrimination violative title vii hereinafter authorize party demand jury trial damages claimed hereinafter affirming appeals rejected landgraf argument case remanded jury trial damages pursuant held section apply title vii case pending appeal act enacted pp since president vetoed version act ground among others perceived unfairness bill elaborate retroactivity provision likely omission comparable language act congressional oversight unawareness compromise made act possible omission dispositive establish precisely compromise struck example decision reach cases still pending already finally decided might explain congress failure provide page ii act bill certain sections apply proceedings pending specified preenactment dates pp text act evince clear expression congressional intent whether applies cases arising act passage provisions landgraf relies expression xcept otherwise specifically provided act amendments made act shall take effect upon enactment provide prospective application limited contexts bear heavy weight place upon negative inference statutory argument require assume congress chose surprisingly indirect route convey important easily expressed message moreover relevant legislative history reveals little suggest members congress believed agreement tacitly reached controversial retroactivity issue congress understood intended interplay foregoing sections decisive effect landgraf assigns instead history conveys impression legislators agreed disagree whether extent act apply preenactment conduct pp order resolve question left open act must focus apparent tension two seemingly contradictory canons interpreting statutes specify temporal reach rule must apply law effect time renders decision see bradley richmond axiom statutory retroactivity favored see bowen georgetown univ hospital pp presumption statutory retroactivity founded upon elementary considerations fairness dictating individuals opportunity know law conform conduct accordingly deeply rooted jurisprudence finds expression several constitutional provisions including criminal context ex post facto clause civil context prospectivity remains appropriate default rule unless congress made clear intent disrupt settled expectations pp thus case implicates federal statute enacted events giving rise suit first task determine whether congress expressly prescribed statute proper reach congress done need resort judicial default rules statute question unambiguously applies preenactment conduct conflict page iii presumption principle apply law effect time decision even absent specific legislative authorization application new statute cases arising enactment unquestionably proper many situations however new statute genuinely retroactive effect impair rights party possessed acted increase liability past conduct impose new duties respect transactions already completed traditional presumption teaches statute govern absent clear congressional intent favoring result bradley displace traditional presumption pp application foregoing principles demonstrates absent guiding instructions congress type provision govern cases arising enactment instead subject presumption statutory retroactivity section authorizes punitive damages certain circumstances clearly subject presumption since labels given punitive exemplary damages well rationales supporting demonstrate share key characteristics criminal sanctions therefore raise serious question ex post facto clause retroactively imposed provision authorizing compensatory damages easily classified also subject presumption since confers new right monetary relief persons like landgraf victims hostile work environment constructively discharged substantially increases liability employers harms caused thus operate retrospectively applied preenactment conduct although jury trial right ordinarily procedural change sort govern trials conducted effective date regardless underlying conduct occurred jury trial option set must fall attached damages provisions makes jury trial available complaining party seeks compensatory punitive damages pp stevens delivered opinion rehnquist souter ginsburg joined scalia filed opinion concurring judgment kennedy thomas joined blackmun filed dissenting opinion landgraf usi film products justice stevens delivered opinion civil rights act act act creates right recover compensatory punitive damages certain violations title vii civil rights act see rev stat added act pub stat act provides party may demand trial jury damages sought granted certiorari decide whether provisions apply title vii case pending appeal statute enacted hold september january petitioner barbara landgraf employed usi film products usi plant tyler texas worked shift operating machine produced plastic bags fellow employee named john landgraf usi film products williams repeatedly harassed inappropriate remarks physical contact petitioner complaints immediate supervisor brought relief reported incidents personnel manager conducted investigation reprimanded williams transferred another department four days later petitioner quit job petitioner filed timely charge equal employment opportunity commission eeoc commission commission determined petitioner likely victim sexual harassment creating hostile work environment violation title vii civil rights act et concluded employer adequately remedied violation accordingly commission dismissed charge issued notice right sue july petitioner commenced action usi corporate owner company bench trial district found williams sexually harassed petitioner causing suffer mental anguish however concluded constructively discharged said although harassment serious enough establish hostile work environment existed landgraf severe reasonable person felt compelled resign particularly true light fact time landgraf resigned job usi taken steps eliminate hostile working environment arising sexual harassment landgraf voluntarily resigned employment usi landgraf usi film products reasons unrelated sexual harassment question app pet cert november petitioner appeal pending president signed law civil rights act appeals rejected petitioner argument case remanded jury trial damages pursuant act decision remand rested premise must apply law effect time renders decision unless result manifest injustice statutory direction legislative history contrary bradley richmond school ca commenting first provision jury trial stated requiring defendant retry case statutory change enacted trial completed injustice waste judicial resources apply procedural rules pending cases invalidate procedures followed new rule adopted characterized provision compensatory punitive damages employer liability title vii violations concluded unjust apply kind additional unforeseeable obligation conduct occurring effective date act ibid finding clear error district factual findings appeals affirmed judgment respondents granted certiorari set case argument rivers roadway express post order limited argument question whether landgraf usi film products act applies cases pending became law accordingly purposes decision assume district appeals properly applied law effect time discriminatory conduct relevant findings fact correct therefore assume petitioner victim sexual harassment violative title vii law authorize recovery damages even though injured also assume arguendo conduct occur today petitioner entitled jury trial jury might find constructively discharged mental anguish injuries support award damages former employer thus controlling question whether appeals applied law effect time discriminatory conduct occurred time decision july ii petitioner primary submission text act requires applied cases pending enactment argument accepted make entire act two narrow exceptions applicable conduct occurred cases filed act effective date although issue case therefore preface analysis brief description scope act civil rights act large part response series decisions interpreting civil rights acts section expressly identifies one act purposes respond recent decisions expanding scope relevant civil rights statutes order provide adequate protection victims discrimination section well specific finding identifies wards cove packing landgraf usi film products atonio decision gave rise special concerns section act entitled burden proof disparate impact cases direct response wards cove sections act obviously drafted recent decisions mind thus issue rivers post amended civil rights act prohibition racial discrimination mak ing enforce ment contracts supp iii response patterson mclean credit union responds price waterhouse hopkins setting forth standards applicable mixed motive cases responds martin wilks prohibiting certain challenges employment practices implementing consent decrees responds eeoc arabian american oil redefining term employee used title vii include certain citizens working foreign countries employers responds lorance technologies expanding employees rights challenge discriminatory seniority systems responds west virginia univ hospitals casey providing award attorney fees may include expert fees responds library congress shaw allowing interest judgments landgraf usi film products number important provisions act however responses decisions example enacts new prohibition adjusting test scores basis race color religion sex national origin extends coverage title vii include house representatives certain employees legislative branch establish special procedures protect senate employees discrimination among provisions directly respond decision one issue case entitled damages cases intentional discrimination provides relevant part right recovery civil rights action brought complaining party section civil rights act respondent engaged unlawful intentional discrimination employment practice unlawful disparate impact prohibited section act provided complaining party recover section revised statutes complaining party may recover compensatory punitive damages addition relief authorized section civil rights act respondent jury trial complaining party seeks compensatory punitive damages section party may demand trial jury landgraf usi film products section significantly expands monetary relief potentially available plaintiffs entitled backpay prior law example monetary relief discriminatorily discharged employee generally included amount equal wages employee earned landgraf usi film products date discharge date reinstatement along lost fringe benefits vacation pay pension benefits burke slip however title vii plaintiff wins backpay award may also seek compensatory damages future pecuniary losses emotional pain suffering inconvenience mental anguish loss enjoyment life nonpecuniary losses addition shown employer acted malice reckless indifference plaintiff federally protected rights plaintiff may recover punitive damages section also allows monetary relief forms workplace discrimination previously justified relief title vii case illustrates even unlawful discrimination proved prior law title vii plaintiff recover monetary relief unless discrimination also found concrete effect plaintiff employment status denied promotion differential compensation termination see burke supra slip circumscribed remedies available title vii act stand marked contrast available traditional tort law federal statutes well section however allows plaintiff recover circumstances unlawful discrimination terms landgraf usi film products conditions privileges employment even though discrimination involve discharge loss pay short title vii central statutory purposes eradicating discrimination throughout economy making persons whole injuries suffered past discrimination albemarle paper act effects major expansion relief available victims employment discrimination comprehensive civil rights bill passed houses congress although similar act many respects bill differed contained language expressly calling application many provisions including section providing damages cases intentional employment discrimination cases arising expected enactment landgraf usi film products president vetoed legislation however citing bill unfair retroactivity rules one reason disapproval congress narrowly failed override veto see cong rec senate vote favor override landgraf usi film products absence comparable language act realistically attributed oversight unawareness retroactivity issue rather seems likely one compromises made possible enact version agreement include kind explicit retroactivity command found bill omission elaborate retroactivity provision bill means source political controversy legislation dispositive tell us precisely compromise struck act legislature might example settled less expansive form retroactivity unlike bill reach cases already finally decided see supra decision reach cases still pending might explain congress failure provide act certain sections apply proceedings pending specific preenactment dates first question whether statutory text petitioner relies manifests intent act applied cases arose went trial enactment iii petitioner textual argument relies three provisions act section provision act speaks directly question us except otherwise specifically provided act amendments made act shall take effect upon enactment landgraf usi film products parties agree intended exempt single disparate impact lawsuit wards cove packing company section provides certain disparate impact cases landgraf usi film products section part section extending title vii overseas employers application amendments amendments made section shall apply respect conduct occurring date enactment act addressing particulars petitioner argument observe places extraordinary weight two comparatively minor narrow provisions long complex statute applying entire act cases arising preenactment conduct important consequences including possibility trials completed enactment need retried possibility employers liable punitive damages conduct antedating act enactment purely prospective application hand prolong life remedial scheme judicial constructions civil rights statutes congress obviously found wanting given high stakes retroactivity question broad coverage statute prominent specific retroactivity provisions bill surprising congress chosen resolve question negative inferences drawn two provisions quite limited effect petitioner however invokes canon give effect every provision statute thus avoid redundancy among different provisions see landgraf usi film products mackey lanier collection agency service unless word otherwise refers either contends first five words entirely superfluous moreover relying canon xpressio unius est exclusio alterius see leatherman tarrant county narcotics intelligence coordination unit slip petitioner argues congress provided specifically prospectivity two places infer intended opposite remainder statute petitioner emphasizes begins except otherwise specifically provided scan statute specific provisions concerning effective dates reveals likely candidates since provisions decree prospectivity since tells us specific provisions exceptions considered prescribing general rule retroactivity petitioner argument force find unlikely congress intended introductory clause carry critically important meaning petitioner assigns congress wished determinate meaning surely used language comparable reference predecessor title vii damages provisions legislation new provisions shall apply proceedings pending commenced date enactment act sess entirely possible congress inserted otherwise specifically provided language understood takes effect clause establish rule retroactivity two specific provisions exceptions instead assure specific timing provisions act prevail general take effect enactment command landgraf usi film products drafters complicated piece legislation containing separate sections may well inserted except otherwise provided language merely avoid risk inadvertent conflict statute introductory clause intended refer specifically difficult understand drafters chose word otherwise rather either appropriate section numbers also unpersuaded petitioner argument merely duplicate take effect upon enactment command unless provisions including damages provisions apply pending cases argument depends assumption provisions must treated uniformly purposes application pending cases based preenactment conduct thesis however means inevitable one entirely possible indeed highly probable unable resolve retroactivity issue clarity legislation congress viewed matter open issue resolved courts precedents retroactivity left doubts default rule apply absence congressional guidance suggested provisions might apply cases arising enactment others might compare bowen georgetown univ landgraf usi film products hospital bradley richmond school see also bennett new jersey matters congress leave courts set specificity congressional doubt concerning judicial retroactivity doctrine coupled likelihood routine take effect upon enactment language require courts fall back upon doctrine provide plausible explanation makes neither provision redundant turning text seems unlikely introductory phrase notwithstanding provision act meant refer immediately preceding subsection since petitioner contend provision speaks general effective date issue logic argument requires us interpret phrase mean nothing notwithstanding petitioner textual argument assumes drafters selected indefinite word otherwise identify two specific subsections even indefinite term provision refer nothing neighbor petitioner statutory argument require us assume congress chose surprisingly indirect route convey important easily expressed message concerning act effect pending cases relevant legislative history act reinforces conclusion landgraf usi film products bear weight petitioner places upon bill originally introduced house contained explicit retroactivity provisions similar found bill however senate substitute agreed upon omitted explicit retroactivity provisions legislative history discloses frankly partisan statements meaning final effective date language statements plausibly read reflecting general agreement history reveals evidence landgraf usi film products members believed agreement tacitly struck controversial retroactivity issue little suggest congress understood intended interplay decisive effect petitioner assigns instead history act conveys impression legislators agreed disagree whether extent act apply preenactment conduct although passage bill may indicate majority congress also favored retroactive application even majority become law unless follows path charted article cl constitution see ins chadha absence kind unambiguous directive found bill must look elsewhere guidance whether applies case iv uncommon find apparent tension different canons statutory construction professor llewellyn famously illustrated many traditional canons equal opposites order resolve question left open act federal courts labored reconcile two seemingly contradictory statements found decisions concerning effect landgraf usi film products intervening changes law statement framed generally applicable rule interpreting statutes specify temporal reach first rule apply law effect time renders decision bradley second axiom etroactivity favored law interpretive corollary congressional enactments administrative rules construed retroactive effect unless language requires result bowen previously noted apparent tension expressions see kaiser aluminum chemical bonjorno see also bennett found unnecessary kaiser resolve seeming conflict either view congressional intent clear governs prejudgment interest statute issue case evinced clear congressional intent applicable judgments entered effective date case us today however concluded civil rights act evince clear expression intent application cases arising act enactment must therefore focus apparent tension rules espoused handling similar problems absence instruction congress begin noting tension holdings bradley bowen unanimous decisions relying another unanimous decision thorpe housing authority durham held bradley statute authorizing award attorney fees successful civil rights plaintiffs applied case pending appeal time statute enacted bowen held department health human services landgraf usi film products lacked statutory authority promulgate rule requiring private hospitals refund medicare payments services rendered promulgation rule opinion bowen purport overrule bradley limit reach light turn apparent tension two canons mindful another canon unquestionable vitality maxim disregarded general expressions every opinion taken connection case expressions used cohens virginia wheat justice scalia demonstrated presumption retroactive legislation deeply rooted jurisprudence embodies legal doctrine centuries older republic elementary considerations fairness dictate individuals opportunity know law conform conduct accordingly settled expectations lightly disrupted reason principle landgraf usi film products legal effect conduct ordinarily assessed law existed conduct took place timeless universal appeal kaiser scalia concurring free dynamic society creativity commercial artistic endeavors fostered rule law gives people confidence legal consequences actions therefore surprising principle finds expression several provisions constitution ex post facto clause flatly prohibits retroactive application penal legislation article cl prohibits passing another type retroactive legislation laws impairing obligation contracts fifth amendment takings clause prevents legislature government actors depriving private persons vested property rights except public use upon payment compensation prohibitions bills attainder art prohibit legislatures singling disfavored persons meting summary punishment past conduct see brown due process clause also protects interests fair notice repose may compromised retroactive legislation justification sufficient validate statute prospective application clause may suffice warrant retroactive application usery turner elkhorn mining provisions demonstrate retroactive statutes raise particular concerns legislature unmatched powers allow sweep away settled expectations landgraf usi film products suddenly without individualized consideration responsivity political pressures poses risk may tempted use retroactive legislation means retribution unpopular groups individuals justice marshall observed opinion weaver graham ex post facto clause ensures individuals fair warning effect criminal statutes also restricts governmental power restraining arbitrary potentially vindictive legislation id citations omitted landgraf usi film products constitution restrictions course limited scope absent violation one specific provisions potential unfairness retroactive civil legislation sufficient reason fail give statute intended scope retroactivity provisions often serve entirely benign legitimate purposes whether respond emergencies correct mistakes prevent circumvention new statute interval immediately preceding passage simply give comprehensive effect new law congress considers salutary however requirement congress first make intention clear helps ensure congress determined benefits retroactivity outweigh potential disruption unfairness statutory retroactivity long disfavored deciding statute operates retroactively always simple mechanical task sitting circuit justice story offered influential definition society propagation gospel wheeler ccdnh case construing provision new hampshire constitution broadly prohibits retrospective laws criminal civil landgraf usi film products justice story first rejected notion provision bars explicitly retroactive legislation statutes enacted take effect time anterior passage construction concluded utterly subversive objects prohibition ibid instead ban retrospective legislation embraced statutes though operating passage affect vested rights past transactions ibid upon principle justice story elaborated every statute takes away impairs vested rights acquired existing laws creates new obligation imposes new duty attaches new disability respect transactions considerations already past must deemed retrospective ibid citing calder bull dall dash van kleek johns landgraf usi film products statute operate retrospectively merely applied case arising conduct antedating statute enactment see republic nat bank miami slip thomas concurring part concurring judgment upsets expectations based prior law rather must ask whether new provision attaches new legal consequences events completed enactment conclusion particular rule operates retroactively comes end process judgment concerning nature extent change law degree connection operation new rule relevant past event test retroactivity leave room disagreement hard cases unlikely classify enormous variety legal changes perfect philosophical clarity however retroactivity matter judges tend sound instinct see danforth groton water landgraf usi film products mass holmes familiar considerations fair notice reasonable reliance settled expectations offer sound guidance since early days declined give retroactive effect statutes burdening private rights unless congress made clear intent thus heth cranch refused apply federal statute reducing commissions customs collectors collections commenced statute enactment statute lacked clear strong imperative language requiring retroactive application id opinion paterson presumption statutory retroactivity consistently explained reference unfairness imposing new burdens persons fact indeed common law contrary rule applied statutes merely removed burden private rights repealing penal provision whether criminal civil repeals understood preclude punishment acts antedating repeal see chambers gulf dennis tynen wall norris crocker maryland baltimore ohio yeaton cranch see repealing common law rule largest category cases applied presumption statutory retroactivity involved new provisions affecting contractual property rights matters predictability stability prime importance presumption landgraf usi film products however limited cases issue chew heong example provision chinese restriction act barring chinese laborers reentering without certificate prepared exited country held statute bar reentry laborer left certification requirement promulgated justice harlan opinion observed law effect enactment accorded laborers right reenter without certificate invoked uniformly accepted rule giv ing statutes retrospective operation whereby rights previously vested injuriously affected unless compelled language clear positive leave room doubt intention legislature statement bowen congressional enactments administrative rules construed retroactive effect unless language requires result step long line cases bowen paradigmatic landgraf usi film products case retroactivity federal agency sought recoup cost limit regulations issued funds paid hospitals services rendered earlier see search clear congressional intent authorizing retroactivity consistent approach taken decisions spanning two centuries presumption statutory retroactivity special force era courts tended view legislative interference property contract rights circumspectly century legislation come supply dominant means legal ordering circumspection given way greater deference legislative judgments see usery turner elkhorn mining home bldg loan assn blaisdell constitutional impediments retroactive civil legislation modest prospectivity remains appropriate default rule accords widely held intuitions statutes ordinarily operate presumption retroactivity generally coincide legislative public expectations requiring clear intent assures congress affirmatively considered potential unfairness retroactive application determined acceptable price pay countervailing benefits requirement allocates congress responsibility fundamental policy judgments concerning proper temporal reach statutes additional virtue giving legislators predictable background rule legislate although long embraced presumption statutory retroactivity long recognized many situations apply law effect time renders landgraf usi film products decision bradley even though law enacted events gave rise suit course conflict principle presumption retroactivity statute question unambiguous chief justice marshall opinion schooner peggy cranch illustrates point treaty signed september case pending appeal unambiguously provided restoration captured property yet definitively condemned emphasis original reversed decree entered september condemning french vessel seized american waters application law effect time decision schooner peggy simply response language statute even absent specific legislative authorization application new statutes passed events suit unquestionably proper many situations intervening statute authorizes affects propriety prospective relief application new provision retroactive thus american steel foundries central trades council held clayton act enacted case pending appeal governed propriety injunctive relief labor picketing remanding suit application intervening statute observed relief injunction operates futuro plaintiff vested right decree entered trial see also hall beals duplex printing press deering regularly applied intervening statutes conferring ousting jurisdiction whether jurisdiction lay underlying conduct occurred suit filed thus bruner landgraf usi film products relying consisten practice ordered action dismissed jurisdictional statute properly filed subsequently repealed see also hallowell commons assessors osbornes wall conversely andrus charlestone stone products held statute passed case pending appeal eliminated amount controversy requirement federal question cases fact respondent failed allege controversy commencement action moment see also alabama per curiam stephens cherokee nation application new jurisdictional rule usually takes away substantive right simply changes tribunal hear case hallowell present law normally governs situations jurisdictional statutes speak power rather rights obligations parties republic nat bank miami slip thomas concurring changes procedural rules may often applied suits arising enactment without raising concerns retroactivity example ex parte collett held governed transfer action landgraf usi film products instituted prior statute enactment noted diminished reliance interests matters procedure rules procedure regulate secondary rather primary conduct fact new procedural rule instituted conduct giving rise suit make application rule trial retroactive cf mcburney carson petitioner relies principally upon bradley richmond school thorpe housing authority durham support argument ordinary interpretive rules landgraf usi film products support application case thorpe held agency circular requiring local housing authority give notice reasons opportunity respond evicting tenant applicable eviction proceeding commenced regulation issued thorpe shares much procedural prospective relief cases see supra thus noted thorpe new hearing procedures affect either party obligations lease agreement housing authority petitioner tenant yet vacated saw significance fact housing authority decided evict circular issued id thorpe viewed new eviction procedures essential remove serious impediment successful protection constitutional rights cf youakim miller per curiam citing thorpe propriety applying new law avoiding necessity deciding constitutionality old one holding bradley similarly compatible line decisions disfavoring retroactive application statutes bradley district awarded attorney fees costs upon general equitable principles parents prevailed action seeking desegregate public schools richmond virginia case pending appeals landgraf usi film products congress enacted education amendments authorized federal courts award prevailing parties school desegregation cases reasonable attorney fee appeals held new fee provision authorize award fees services rendered effective date amendments reversed concluded private parties rely support claim attorney fees resting decision principle apply law effect time renders decision unless result manifest injustice statutory direction legislative history contrary although language suggests categorical presumption favor application new rules law make clear bradley alter presumption application class new statutes genuinely retroactive effect like new hearing requirement thorpe attorney fee provision issue bradley resemble cases invoked presumption statutory retroactivity attorney fee determinations observed collateral main cause action uniquely separable cause action proved trial white new hampshire dept employment security see also hutto finney moreover even enactment federal courts authority district bradley exercised award fees based upon equitable principles opinion bradley made clear difficult imagine stronger equitable case attorney fee award lawsuit plaintiff parents otherwise bear costs desegregating children public schools see noting landgraf usi film products plaintiffs brought school board compliance constitutional mandate citing brown board education light prior availability fee award likelihood fees assessed preexisting theories concluded new fee statute simply impose additional unforeseeable obligation upon school board bradley approving application new fee provision bradley take issue long line decisions applying presumption retroactivity opinion distinguished criticize prior cases applied canon see citing greene claridge apartments commissioner union pacific laramie stock yards authorities relied upon bradley lend support conclusion intend displace traditional presumption applying statutes affecting substantive rights liabilities duties conduct arising enactment see kaiser scalia concurring bradley relied thorpe precedents consistent presumption statutory retroactivity including decisions involving explicitly retroactive statutes see citing inter alia freeborn smith wall retroactive application intervening judicial decisions see landgraf usi film products citing inter alia patterson alabama statutes altering jurisdiction citing inter alia alabama repeal criminal statute citing chambers moreover none decisions relied upon bradley thorpe cast doubt traditional presumption truly retrospective application statute landgraf usi film products case implicates federal statute enacted events suit first task determine whether congress expressly prescribed statute proper reach congress done course need resort judicial default rules however statute contains express command must determine whether new statute retroactive effect whether impair rights party possessed acted increase party liability past conduct impose new duties respect transactions already completed statute operate retroactively traditional presumption teaches govern absent clear congressional intent favoring result ask whether given absence guiding instructions congress civil rights act type provision govern cases landgraf usi film products arising enactment observed supra special reason think diverse provisions act must treated uniformly purposes contrary understand instruction provisions take effect upon enactment mean courts evaluate provision act light ordinary judicial principles concerning application new rules pending cases preenactment conduct two provisions may readily classified according principles jury trial right set plainly procedural change sort ordinarily govern trials conducted effective date introduce right jury trial title vii cases provision presumably apply cases tried november regardless underlying conduct occurred however makes jury trial available complaining party seeks compensatory punitive damages jury trial option must stand fall attached damages provisions section clearly side line subsection authorizes punitive damages plaintiff shows defendant engaged discriminatory practice discriminatory practices malice reckless indifference federally protected rights aggrieved individual labels given punitive exemplary damages well rationales support demonstrate share key characteristics criminal sanctions landgraf usi film products retroactive imposition punitive damages raise serious constitutional question see turner elkhorn hesitate approve retrospective imposition liability theory deterrence blameworthiness de veau braisted mark ex post facto law imposition fairly designated punishment past acts see also louis vuitton spencer handbags retroactive application punitive treble damages provisions trademark counterfeiting act present potential ex post facto problem entertained question confronted statute explicitly authorized punitive damages preenactment conduct civil rights act contains explicit command provision authorizing recovery compensatory damages easily classified make unlawful conduct lawful occurred noted supra reaches discriminatory conduct already prohibited title vii concerns lack fair notice muted fact discrimination many cases although one already subject monetary liability form backpay anyone seriously contend compensatory damages provisions smack retributive suspect legislative purpose section reflects congress desire afford victims discrimination complete redress violations rules established generation ago civil rights act least respect compensatory damages provisions category objections retroactive application grounds fairness greatest force landgraf usi film products nonetheless new compensatory damages provision operate retrospectively applied conduct occurring november unlike certain forms relief compensatory damages quintessentially compensatory damages may intended less sanction wrongdoers make victims whole mechanism affects liabilities defendants compensate distributing funds public coffers requiring particular employers pay harms caused introduction right compensatory damages also type legal change impact private parties planning case event new damages provision relates discriminatory conduct respondents agent john williams applied landgraf usi film products provision attach important new legal burden conduct new damages remedy conclude kind provision apply events antedating enactment absence clear congressional intent cases like one prior law afforded relief seen creating new cause action impact parties rights especially pronounced section confers new right monetary relief persons like petitioner victims hostile work environment constructively discharged novel prospect damages liability employers title vii previously authorized recovery backpay cases compensatory damages addition backpay recoverable new provision also resembles statute increasing amount damages available preestablished cause action even view however provision applied cases arising act effective date undoubtedly impose employers found liable new disability respect past events see society propagation gospel extent party liability civil context well criminal important legal consequence ignored neither bradley landgraf usi film products case since congress clearly spoken read statute substantially increasing monetary liability private party apply conduct occurring statute enactment see winfree northern pacific statute creating new federal cause action wrongful death inapplicable case arising enactment absence explicit words clear implication fidelity guaranty ex rel struthers wells construing statute restricting subcontractors rights recover damages prime contractors prospective absence clear strong imperative language congress favoring retroactivity landgraf usi film products frequently true petitioner amici forcefully argue retroactive application new statute vindicate purpose fully consideration however sufficient rebut presumption retroactivity statutes seldom crafted pursue single goal compromises necessary enactment may require adopting landgraf usi film products means effectively pursue main goal legislator supported prospective statute might reasonably oppose retroactive application statute indeed reason believe omission version express retroactivity provisions factor passage bill section plainly sort provision must understood operate retroactively contrary reading render ineffective presumption statutory retroactivity founded upon sound considerations general policy practice accords long held widely shared expectations usual operation legislation satisfied applies found clear evidence congressional intent civil rights act apply cases arising enactment conclude judgment appeals must affirmed ordered footnotes respondent quantum chemical corporation owned usi plant petitioner worked respondent bonar packaging subsequently purchased operation section finds wards cove decision weakened scope effectiveness federal civil rights protections expresses congress intent codify certain concepts enunciated decisions prior wards cove packing atonio take note express references case focus petitioner places particular reliance see infra decided whether plaintiff seeking backpay title vii entitled jury trial see lytle household assuming without deciding right jury trial teamsters terry petitioner argue right jury trial even law need address question finds respondent intentionally engaged unlawful employment practice charged complaint may order affirmative action may appropriate may include limited reinstatement hiring employees without back pay equitable relief deems appropriate back pay liability shall accrue date two years prior filing charge commission interim earnings amounts earnable reasonable diligence person persons discriminated shall operate reduce back pay otherwise allowable civil rights act amended supp iii section imposes limits varying size employer amount compensatory punitive damages may awarded individual plaintiff thus sum damages awarded plaintiff may exceed employers employees employers employees employers employees employers employees see harris forklift systems slip discrimination terms conditions privileges employment actionable title vii limited economic tangible discrimination citations internal quotation marks omitted relevant section civil rights act sess provided sec application amendments transition rules application amendments amendments made section shall apply proceedings pending commenced june date wards cove packing antonio section shall apply proceedings pending commenced may date price waterhouse hopkins section shall apply proceedings pending commenced june date martin wilks sections providing compensatory punitive damages intentional discrimination shall apply proceedings pending commenced date enactment act landgraf usi film products section shall apply proceedings pending june date lorance technologies section shall apply proceedings pending commenced june date patterson mclean credit union transition rules general orders entered effective dates described subsection date enactment act inconsistent amendments made sections shall vacated later year date enactment request relief made final judgments pursuant paragraphs final judgment entered prior date enactment act rights parties thereto become fixed vested time seeking judicial review judgment otherwise expired pursuant title code federal rules civil procedure federal rules appellate procedure shall vacated whole part justice requires pursuant rule federal rules civil procedure appropriate authority consistent constitutional requirements due process law see president message senate returning without approval civil rights act weekly reprinted cong rec president veto message referred bill retroactivity briefly attorney general memorandum president referred expansive may read refer bill special provision reopening final judgments see supra rather provisions covering pending cases see memorandum attorney general president october section unfairly applies changes law made cases already decided emphasis added app brief petitioner history prior amendments title vii suggests effective upon enactment formula especially inapt way reach pending cases amended title vii equal employment opportunity act congress explicitly provided amendments made act section civil rights act shall applicable respect charges pending commission date enactment act charges filed thereafter stat contrast amending title vii bar discrimination basis pregnancy congress provided except provided subsection amendment made act shall effective date enactment stat evidence drafters act devote particular attention interplay act effective date provisions section directs eeoc establish technical assistance training institute assist employers complying antidiscrimination laws regulations contains subsection providing shall take effect date enactment act provision unavoidably redundant point also diminishes force petitioner expressio unius argument one abandons unsupported assumption landgraf usi film products congress expected act provisions treated alike takes account uncertainty applicable default rule carry negative implication petitioner draws read either provision anything definitively rejecting retroactivity respect specific matters covered plain language see sess reprinted cong rec prospectivity proviso section extending title vii overseas employers first added legislation generally apply pending cases see sess reprinted june thus time language introduced provision became surely redundant hand two proposals provided explicitly prospectivity also foundered see cong rec mar june example interpretive memorandum introduced behalf seven republican sponsors bill became act senator danforth stated bill provides unless otherwise specified provisions legislation shall take effect upon enactment shall apply retroactively emphasis added senator kennedy responded courts determine extent bill apply cases claims pending date enactment ibid citing bradley richmond school legislative history reveals partisan statements proper meaning act effective date provisions senator danforth observed statements carry little weight legislative history put well advised take large grain salt floor debate statements placed congressional record purport create interpretation legislation us see llewellyn remarks theory appellate decision rules canons statutes construed llewellan article identified apparent conflict canon statute imposing new penalty forfeiture new liability disability creating new right action construed retroactive effect emedial statutes liberally construed retroactive interpretation promote ends justice receive construction citations omitted see kaiser aluminum chemical bonjourno scalia concurring see also dash van kleeck johns principle english common law ancient law statute even omnipotent parliament retrospective effect kent smead rule retroactive legislation basic principle jurisprudence see general motors romein slip retroactive legislation presents problems unfairness serious posed prospective legislation deprive citizens legitimate expectations upset settled transactions munzer theory retroactive legislation texas rule law defeasible entitlement persons behavior governed rules publicly fixed advance see also fuller morality law hereinafter fuller article contains two ex post facto clauses one directed congress cl cl construed clauses applicable penal legislation see calder bull dall opinion chase see richmond croson legislatures primarily policymaking bodies promulgate rules govern future conduct constitutional prohibitions enactment ex post facto laws bills attainder reflect valid concern use political process punish characterize past conduct private citizens judicial system rather legislative process best equipped identify past wrongdoers fashion remedies create conditions presumably existed wrong committed stevens concurring part concurring judgment james retroactive punitive measures may reflect purpose prevent dangerous conduct generally impose legislation penalty specific persons classes persons james madison argued retroactive legislation also offered special opportunities powerful obtain special improper legislative benefits according madison ills attainder ex post facto laws laws impairing obligation contracts contrary first principles social compact every principle sound legislation part measures invited influential speculat public measures detriment industrious less informed part community federalist cooke ed see hochman constitutionality retroactive legislation retroactive statute may passed exact knowledge benefit cases however interest avoiding adjudication constitutional questions counsel retroactive application challenged statute given retroactive effect regulatory interest supports prospective application necessarily also sustain application past events see pension benefit guaranty gray usery turner elkhorn mining case punitive damages provision may raise question present purposes assume congress ample power provide retroactive application article new hampshire bill rights provides retrospective laws highly injurious oppressive unjust laws therefore made either decision civil causes punishment offenses issue society case new statute reversed common law rule allowing certain wrongful possessors land upon ejected landgraf usi film products rightful owner obtain compensation improvements made land justice story held new statute impaired owner rights thus consistently article applied require compensation improvements made statute enactment see see miller florida law retrospective changes legal consequences acts completed effective date quoting weaver graham union pacific laramie stock yards retroactive statute gives quality effect acts conduct contemplate performed sturges carter retroactive statute one takes away impairs vested rights acquired existing laws creates new obligation imposes new duty attaches new disability see also black law dictionary ed quoting justice story definition landgraf usi film products society singer sutherland statutory construction rev ed terms retroactive retrospective synonymous judicial usage describe acts operate transactions occurred rights obligations existed passage act even uncontroversially prospective statutes may unsettle expectations impose burdens past conduct new property tax zoning regulation may upset reasonable expectations prompted affected acquire property new law banning gambling harms person begun construct casino law enactment spent life learning count cards see fuller every time man relied existing law arranging affairs made secure change legal rules whole body law ossified forever moreover statute made retroactive merely draws upon antecedent facts operation cox hart see reynolds chicago alton tranbarger see security industrial bank landgraf usi film products claridge apartments commissioner louis holt henley union pacific laramie stock yards twenty percent cases wall sohn waterson wall carroll carroll lessee great majority decisions relying upon presumption involved intervening statutes burdening private parties applied presumption cases involving new monetary obligations fell government see magnolia petroleum white see also greene white moore murray gibson ladiga roland bruner specifically noted jurisdictional rule affect general principle statute given retroactive effect unless construction required explicit language necessary implication compare louis smallwood gallardo strictly construed ex post facto clause prohibit application new statutes creating increasing punishments fact upheld intervening procedural changes even application new rule operated defendant disadvantage particular case see dobbert florida see also collins youngblood beazell ohio course mere fact new rule procedural mean applies every pending case new rule concerning filing complaints govern action complaint already properly filed old regime promulgation new rule evidence require appellate remand new trial orders approving amendments federal procedural rules reflect common sense notion applicability provisions ordinarily depends posture particular case see order amending federal rules criminal procedure amendments applicable pending cases insofar practicable order amending federal rules civil procedure order amending bankruptcy rules forms amendments applicable pending cases except extent opinion application particular proceeding pending feasible work injustice contrary justice scalia suggestion post restrict presumption statutory retroactivity cases involving vested rights neither justice story definition retroactivity quoted supra restricted suggest concerns retroactivity application procedural rules thorpe consistent principle analogous work common law presumption repeals criminal statutes government accord grace private parties disadvantaged old rule adopts new generous one cf degurules ins indeed thorpe twice cited chambers ordered dismissal prosecutions pending national prohibition act repealed see thorpe bradley cited schooner peggy current law principle recognized law issue schooner peggy expressly called retroactive application see describing schooner peggy holding obligated apply terms convention recited applied vessels yet definitively condemned emphasis convention time bradley decided means truism point rules announced intervening judicial decisions normally applied case pending intervening decision came doctrine judicial retroactivity involved substantial measure discretion guided equitable standards resembling bradley manifest injustice test see chevron oil huson linkletter walker accurate say new rule announced judicial decision presumptively applicable pending cases since established firm rule retroactivity see harper virginia dept taxation griffith kentucky see national treasury employees union von raab considering intervening regulations injunctive action challenging agency drug testing policy fourth amendment citing thorpe goodman lukens steel applying rule announced judicial decision case arising decision citing bradley usual rule federal cases decided accordance law existing time decision saint francis college case involving retroactivity judicial decision citing thorpe usual rule hutto finney relying general practice bradley uphold award attorney fees statute passed services rendered case still pending youakim per curiam remanding reconsideration constitutional claim injunctive relief light intervening state regulations citing thorpe cort ash stating bradley warranted landgraf usi film products application intervening statute transferring administrative agency jurisdiction claim injunctive relief hamling reviewing obscenity conviction light subsequent first amendment decision citing bradley california bankers assn shultz action injunction enforcement banking disclosure statute citing thorpe proposition consider constitutional question light regulations issued commencement suit diffenderfer central baptist church citing thorpe holding intervening repeal state tax exemption certain church property rendered inappropriate petitioner request injunctive relief based establishment clause citizens preserve overton park volpe refusing remand agency thorpe administrative findings required new regulation administrative record already adequate judicial review hall beals action injunctive relief state election statute citing thorpe authority considering intervening amendment statute appeals recognized however promulgation new jury trial rule ordinarily warrant retrial cases previously tried judge see supra thus customary practice support remand jury trial case petitioner amici suggest concerns unfair surprise upsetting expectations attenuated case intentional employment discrimination unlawful generation however fairness concerns entirely absent damages provisions apply events preceding enactment facts case illustrate respondent usi management apprised wrongful conduct petitioner coworker took timely action remedy problem law effect imposed liability employer corrected discriminatory work conditions conditions became severe result victim constructive discharge assessing damages respondents theory respondeat superior thus entail element surprise even conduct question morally reprehensible illegal degree unfairness inherent whenever law imposes additional burdens based conduct occurred past cf weaver ex post facto clause assures fair notice governmental restraint turn individual right less punishment new damages provisions expected give managers added incentive take preventive measures ward discriminatory conduct subordinates occurs purpose served applying regime preenactment conduct state courts consistently held statutes changing abolishing limits amount damages available wrongful death actions absence clear legislative intent apply actions arising enactment see dempsey state every considered issue found subsequent change amount elements damage wrongful death statute substantive rather procedural remedial thus change must applied prospectively kleibrink holding accord great weight authority landgraf usi film products increase decrease repeal statutory maximum recoverable wrongful death actions retroactive thus apply case arising statute enactment emphasis original bradley knutson refusing apply increase cap damages wrongful death misconduct occurring effective date statutory increases damage limitations actually changes substantive rights mere remedial changes state ex rel francisco buder mo statute removing wrongful death liability limitation construed apply preenactment conduct act transaction certain legal effects ascribed time transpired without cogent reasons thereafter subject different set effects alter rights liabilities parties thereto mihoy proulx apply increased limit date accident clearly enlarge defendant liability retrospectively absence express provision conclude legislature intended retrospective application see also fann mcguffy muckler buchl sometimes said new remedial statutes like new procedural ones presumptively apply pending cases see ex parte collett clearly landgraf usi film products remedial provision applicable pending actions beazell ex post facto clause limit legislative control remedies modes procedure affect matters substance statement holds true kinds remedies see supra discussing prospective relief classified statute introducing damages liability sort remedial change presumptively apply pending cases retroactive modification damage remedies may normally harbo much less potential mischief retroactive changes principles liability hastings earth satellite cadc cert denied potential nevertheless still significant petitioner argues decision franklin gwinnett county pub schools supports application case relying principle legal rights invaded federal statute provides general right sue invasion federal courts may use available remedy make good wrong slip quoting bell hood held franklin right action title ix education act amendments included claim damages petitioner argues franklin supports position obtain damages pursuant left remediless despite adjudged violation right title vii free workplace discrimination however title vii civil rights act statute apply traditional presumption favor available remedies id slip statute create general right sue employment discrimination instead specified set circumscribed remedies see burke slip amendment title vii scheme allow damages free fashion remedies congress specifically chosen extend see northwest airlines transport workers landgraf usi film products justice scalia justice kennedy justice thomas join concurring judgments course agree exists judicial presumption great antiquity legislative enactment affecting substantive rights apply retroactively absent clear statement contrary see generally kaiser aluminum chemical bonjorno scalia concurring however willing let clear statement supplied text law question individual legislators participated enactment law even legislators earlier congress tried failed enact similar law combs floor landgraf usi film products debate committee reports statute issue civil rights act pub stat see ante also reviews procedural history earlier unsuccessful attempt different congress enact similar legislation civil rights act sess see ante effectively converts clear statement rule discernible legislative intent rule even understates difference rejection floor statements certain senators frankly partisan plausibly read reflecting general agreement ante reads like exercise soft science legislative historicizing undisciplined distinctive clear statement requirement clear statement seeking surely enough insist statement plausibly read reflecting general agreement statement must clearly reflect general agreement legislative history course text statute meaning clear statement retroactivity rule earliest times see heth cranch johnson unless therefore words imperious admit different construction restric words law future operation cushing unreasonable opinion give law construction retrospective effect unless contained express words purpose landgraf usi film products murray gibson statutes operate retroactively unless required express command necessary unavoidable implication schwab doyle statute given retrospective operation unless words make imperative see also bonjorno supra concurring opinion collecting cases applying clear statement test deem clear rule changed dicta regarding legislative history present case act expressly state operates retroactively petitioner contends specification prospective application two sections implies provisions retroactive precisely petitioner argues since xcept otherwise specifically provided act shall take effect upon enactment since specifically provide sections shall operate prospectively term shall take effect upon enactment must mean retroactive effect short response refined subtle argument refinement subtlety substitute clear statement hall take effect upon enactment presumed mean shall prospective effect upon enactment presumption strong overcome negative inference derived landgraf usi film products ii opinion begins evaluation petitioner argument text statute dictates retroactive application rejection argument forceful long insists upon compromising clarity ancient constant assumption legislation prospective attributing comparable pedigree nouveau bradley presumption favor applying law effect time decision see bradley richmond school demonstrated elsewhere need repeat bradley thorpe housing authority durham simply misread precedents invented utterly new erroneous rule see generally bonjorno scalia concurring besides embellishing pedigree presumption goes way reaffirm holdings cases see nothing gained overruling neither think indefensible needlessly defended thorpe least really indefensible regulation issue required instituting eviction proceeding local housing authorities inform tenant reasons eviction thorpe supra emphasis added imposed requirement eviction proceeding instituted eighteen months regulation issued application plainly retroactive wrong result bradley presents closer question application attorney fees provision ongoing landgraf usi film products litigation arguably retroactive retroactive however surely saved suggests existence another theory attorney fees might discretionarily awarded see ante iii last significant disagreement analysis case pertains meaning retroactivity adopts definition crafted justice story case involving provision new hampshire constitution prohibited retrospective laws law retroactive takes away impairs vested rights acquired existing laws creates new obligation imposes new duty attaches new disability respect transactions considerations already past society propagation gospel wheeler ccnh story one might expect vested rights focus hold changes rules procedure opposed matters substance apply retroactively one draw conclusion formulation test whether new provision attaches new legal consequences events completed enactment test borrowed directly ex post facto clause jurisprudence see miller florida adopted line see ex post facto violation occurs change law merely procedural fact however shrinks faithfully applying test announced first seemingly defends distinction vested rights theory entails ante ecause rules procedure regulate secondary rather primary conduct fact landgraf usi film products new procedural rule instituted conduct giving rise suit make application rule trial retroactive soon acknowledges broad ill defined indeed utterly undefined exception whether new rule trial procedure applies generally depend upon posture case question ante exception new rule concerning filing complaints govern action complaint already filed promulgation new jury trial rule ordinarily warrant retrial cases previously tried judge ante hard see either refusals allow retroactive application preserves vested right one vested right given mode procedure ex parte collett quoting crane hahlo seemingly random exceptions vested rights substance procedure criterion must made suggest criterion fundamentally wrong may well upsetting vested substantive rights proper touchstone interpretation new hampshire constitutional prohibition interpretation constitution ex post facto clauses see ante doubt anything mundane question us absent clear statement contrary presumed temporal application statute purposes question procedural change presumed retroactive substantive one critical issue think whether rule affects vested rights governs substance procedure rather relevant activity rule regulates absent clear statement otherwise relevant activity occurs effective date statute covered statutes meant landgraf usi film products regulate primary conduct hence applied trials involving conduct occurred effective date statutes different purpose therefore different relevant retroactivity event new rule evidence governing expert testimony example aimed regulating conduct trial event relevant retroactivity rule introduction testimony even though procedural rule unquestionably applied testimony already case appeal example new rule applied trial antedated statute inadequacy vested rights approach becomes apparent change one incidents trial alters substantive entitlements opinion classifies attorney fees provisions procedural permits retroactive application sense application cases involving preenactment conduct see ante seems however holding person liable attorney fees affects substantive right less holding liable compensatory punitive damages treats affecting vested right attorney fees awarded suit involving conduct antedated statute purpose fee award affect conduct encourage suit vindication certain rights retroactivity event filing suit whereafter encouragement longer needed perhaps purpose fee award facilitate suit retroactivity event termination suit whereafter facilitation longer achieved vested rights test square consistent practice giving immediate effect statutes alter jurisdiction see bruner hallowell commons cf ex parte landgraf usi film products mccardle wall insurance ritchie wall see also king justices peace london burr explains aspect retroactivity jurisprudence noting new jurisdictional rule often involve retroactivity justice story sense takes away substantive right simply changes tribunal hear case ante quoting hallowell supra may true sometimes surely always jurisdictional rule deny litigant forum claim entirely see act stat amended may leave alternate forum deny relief collateral reason statute limitations bar jurisdiction cases explained think fact purpose provisions conferring eliminating jurisdiction permit forbid exercise judicial power relevant event retroactivity purposes moment power sought exercised thus applying statute undo past judicial action applying retroactively applying prevent judicial action statute takes effect applying prospectively finally statutes eliminating previously available forms prospective relief provide another challenge approach courts traditionally withhold requested injunctions authorized law even authorized time suit commenced time primary conduct sought enjoined first engaged see american steel foundries central trades council duplex printing press deering reason nothing whether possible vested right prospective relief bviously landgraf usi film products form relief operates futuro deering ibid since purpose prospective relief affect future rather remedy past relevant time judging retroactivity moment ordered maintain always easy determine statute purpose relevant event assessing retroactivity suggested example statutory provision attorney fees presents difficult case ordinarily however answer clear landgraf rivers unlike think provisions issue easily classified ante directed regulation primary conduct occurrence primary conduct relevant event one respect must acknowledge effort may unique novelty well irony supporting judgment floor statements act unreliable citing senator danforth floor statement act effect floor statements act unreliable see ante petitioner suggests pennsylvania union gas found negative implication language sufficient satisfy clear statement requirement congressional subjection private suit see atascadero state hospital scanlon however case express inclusion definition potentially liable person see reinforced limitation liability certain limited circumstances see led find plain statement liability see noting cascade plain language supporting liability landgraf usi film products scalia concurring part dissenting part nothing comparable focus relevant retroactivity event also explains presumption retroactivity violated interpreting statute alter future legal effect past transactions secondary retroactivity see bowen georgetown univ hospital scalia concurring citing mcnulty corporations intertemporal conflict laws cf cox hart new ban gambling applies existing casinos casinos construction see ante even though attaches new disability past investments relevant retroactivity event primary activity gambling primary activity constructing casinos landgraf usi film products justice blackmun dissenting perhaps eagerness resolve apparent tension see kaiser aluminum chemical bonjorno bradley richmond school bowen georgetown university hospital rejects logical reading kaiser civil rights act stat act resorts presumption retroactivity approach seems pay insufficient fidelity settled principle starting point interpretation statute language statute kaiser quoting consumer product safety gte sylvania extends presumption retroactive legislation beyond historical reach purpose straightforward textual analysis act indicates provision compensatory damages attendant right jury trial apply cases pending appeal date enactment analysis begins act stat except otherwise specifically provided act amendments made act shall take effect upon enactment settled rule statute must possible construed fashion every word landgraf usi film products operative effect nordic village slip citing menasche qualifying clause xcept otherwise specifically provided dismissed mere surplusage insurance policy future judicial interpretation cf gersman group health cadc instead logically refers act two sections specifically providing statute apply cases pending date enactment stat provides effect act apply pending case wards cove packing atonio stat act protections overseas employment shall apply respect conduct occurring date enactment act entire act inapplicable pending cases entirely redundant kungys plurality opinion thus clear implication apply pending cases provisions including absent clearly expressed legislative intention contrary language must regarded conclusive kaiser quoting consumer product safety gte sylvania legislative history act featuring welter conflicting frankly partisan floor statements ante committee report evinces contrary landgraf usi film products legislative intent thus see reason dismiss unlikely ante natural reading statute order embrace reading also possible ibid even language statute answer retroactivity question appropriate precedents apply pending cases presumption retroactive legislation serves protect settled expectations grounded respect vested rights see smead rule retroactive legislation basic principle landgraf usi film products jurisprudence retroactivity doctrine developed inhibition construction violate vested rights presumption need applied remedial legislation proscribe conduct previously legal see sampeyreac pet almost every law providing new remedy affects operates upon causes action existing time law passed hastings earth satellite cadc modification remedy merely adjusts extent method enforcement liability instances possibility liability previously known cert denied kent commentaries american law chancellor kent objection law affecting changing vested rights understood apply remedial statutes may retrospective nature provided impair contracts disturb absolute vested rights time within last generation employer vested right engage permit sexual harassment thing vested right wrong freeborn smith wall see also singer sutherland statutory construction ed procedural remedial statutes take away vested rights presumed apply pending actions section act expands remedies available acts intentional discrimination alter scope employee basic right free discrimination employer corresponding legal duty nothing unjust holding employer responsible injuries caused conduct illegal almost years accordingly respectfully dissent course unexceptional proposition particular statute may circumstances implicitly authorize retroactive application bowen georgetown university hospital concurring opinion emphasis added virtually every appeals consider application act pending cases concluded legislative history provides reliable guidance see gersman group health cadc mozee american commercial marine service absence act strong retroactivity language vetoed legislation applied new law final judgments well pending cases see providing final judgment entered prior date enactment act rights parties thereto become fixed vested shall vacated whole part justice requires constitution permits instructive congress intent respect pending cases alone significantly congress also rejected language put pending claims beyond reach act see daily ed amendment act amendments made act shall apply respect claims arising date enactment act amendment rejected daily ed mar dole introduction included act retroactivity provision daily ed june introduction defeat michel substitute directly issue case compensatory damages right jury trial little unfairness requiring employer compensate victims intentional acts discrimination jury determine damages imposition punitive damages preenactment conduct represents difficult question one squarely addressed case one express opinion landgraf usi film products