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Punitive Damages ![]() Civil courts use punitive damages in the same way extensive prison time is used in criminal court. It is saved as a punishment for the worst of the worst behavior and to deter future bad acts. Like common criminals, some big businesses decide that it is more cost effective to break the law than follow it. But unlike ordinary criminals, corporations cannot be sent to jail. Punitive damages are the only method the civil courts have to protect society from the most dangerous and deceptive business practices. While the use of punitive damages is infrequent and highly targeted, corporations are waging an aggressive and sustained attack on our courts’ ability to use such legal punishments to protect society. Many powerful people would like to escape responsibility for their misdeeds. They spend money to spread misinformation. Big businesses and the insurance lobby paint a distorted picture of runaway juries and evil trial lawyers bankrupting harmless mom and pop operations for a few innocent mistakes. In fact, punitive damages are reserved for the most egregious cases of civil misconduct. When the truth is fully learned about the reprehensible conduct of a corporation or individual, both a jury and public at large understand the necessity of punitive damages as a punishment. Consider the following cases where large punitive damages were awarded:
CAOC is committed to protecting the public’s safety by defending punitive damages – it starts with telling the truth about punitive damages: Punitive damages are rare: One of the biggest myths about the civil justice system is that punitive damage awards are running rampant. This report from the United States Department of Justice (pdf) shows just how rare they are:
Punitive damages awards are modest, and often reduced
The runaway jury is a myth
Caps on punitive damages are unnecessary because several safeguards already exist
The inescapable truth is that punitive damages are a necessary part of our civil justice system to punish and deter the worst of the worst conduct. CAOC is committed to protecting the courts’ ability to punish corporate wrongdoers and protect consumers from unfair business practices. For more information:
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