HR 13717 · 95th Congress · Law
Equal Access to Courts Act
Bill Progress
✓
Introduced2
Committee3
House Vote4
Senate5
EnactedLatest: Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary.(1978-08-02)
Plain Language Summary
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Equal Access to Courts Act - Entitles parties which (1) are individuals or entities having assets below specified amounts, and (2) prevail in adjudication before a U.S. agency, to an award for fees and other expenses in the absence of a finding by such agency that its position as a party was substantially justified or that an award is unjust. Directs agencies to establish procedures for the application for such fees and to make written findings of its decision. Prescribes appellate procedures for parties dissatisfied with such award. Allows a court to award costs, not including attorneys' fees, to a party, meeting the criteria of (1) above, which prevails in any civil action brought by or against the United States. Entitles such a party: (1) to an award of reasonable attorneys' fees in certain circumstances; and (2) to additional fees and expenses in the absence of a finding by the court that the position of the U.S. was substantially justified or that an award is unjust. Specifies application procedures for such fees. Directs the Administrative Conference of the United States and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts to make an annual accounting to Congress for suc…
Summarized by Claude AI · Non-partisan · For informational purposes only