Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are a type of compensation awarded by a court in civil cases, specifically to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. Unlike compensatory damages, which cover actual losses suffered by the victim, punitive damages go beyond that. They are typically awarded when the defendant's behavior is found to be especially reckless, intentional, or malicious. The goal is to send a message that certain actions are unacceptable and to discourage others from engaging in similar wrongful behavior.
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Punitive damages are a type of compensation awarded in legal cases, above and beyond actual damages. Their primary purpose is to punish a wrongdoer for particularly harmful or reckless behavior and to deter others from similar actions. Unlike regular damages, which compensate the victim for losses suffered, punitive damages focus on the offender's conduct, aiming to discourage egregious actions. Courts typically consider factors like the severity of the wrongdoing and the defendant's financial situation when deciding the amount. Overall, punitive damages serve both justice and public interest by addressing behaviors that society finds unacceptable.