The "relief" or remedies available for employment discrimination, whether caused by intentional acts or by practices that have a discriminatory effect, may include:

• back pay,
• hiring,
• promotion,
• reinstatement,
• front pay,
• cease and desist orders,
• administrative fines,
• punitive damages,
• liquidated damages, or
• other actions that will make an individual "whole" (in the condition s/he would have been but for the discrimination).

Compensatory damages are also available if the discrimination caused mental anguish, humiliation, inconvenience or emotional distress. Punitive damages are different. They are intended to punish (not compensate) the employer for malice and reckless indifference to the employee.

Remedies also may include payment of:

• attorneys' fees,
• expert witness fees, and
• court costs.