
      In any civil action under this title, the court in its discretion
    may allow the recovery of full costs by or against any party other
    than the United States or an officer thereof. Except as otherwise
    provided by this title, the court may also award a reasonable
    attorney's fee to the prevailing party as part of the costs.

                       HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES                   
                         HOUSE REPORT NO. 94-1476                     
      Under section 505 the awarding of costs and attorney's fees are
    left to the court's discretion, and the section also makes clear
    that neither costs nor attorney's fees can be awarded to or against
    "the United States or an officer thereof."

Last modified: April 19, 2006