Punitive damages are awarded in addition to actual damages
when the defendant acted with recklessness, malice, or deceit. They are intended
to punish and thereby deter blameworthy conduct, and are generally not recoverable
for breach of contract. The Supreme Court has held that three guidelines help
determine whether a punitive damages award violates constitutional
due process:
- The reprehensibility of the conduct being punished;
- The reasonability of the relationship between the harm and the award;
- And the difference between the award and the civil penalties authorized
in comparable cases.
Punitive damages are awarded in addition to actual
damages when the defendant acted with recklessness, malice, or deceit.
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