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Simple English definitions for legal terms

exemplary damages

Read a random definition: edicta magistratuum

A quick definition of exemplary damages:

Exemplary damages, also known as punitive damages, are extra money awarded to the plaintiff beyond what they actually lost. These damages are given as punishment to the defendant for their harmful behavior. They are usually only awarded in cases where the defendant intentionally caused harm or engaged in willful misconduct. Punitive damages are not typically awarded in breach of contract cases. Courts will also not award punitive damages if the liquidated damages listed in a contract are actually meant to be punitive. Courts only apply punitive damages in about 5% of cases, and they consider the reprehensibility of the defendant's behavior and the ratio of punitive to compensatory damages when deciding whether to award them.

A more thorough explanation:

Definition: Exemplary damages, also known as punitive damages, are additional damages awarded to the plaintiff beyond the actual damages incurred. These damages are considered punishment and are intended to dissuade the defendant from engaging in harmful behavior. Punitive damages are typically awarded at the court's discretion when the defendant's behavior is found to be especially harmful. They are not awarded in the context of a breach of contract claim.

Examples: In a case of tort liability, a court may award punitive damages if the plaintiff can prove that the defendant engaged in intentional tort or wanton and willful misconduct. For example, if a driver intentionally hits a pedestrian, the court may award punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. However, if the driver accidentally hits the pedestrian, punitive damages may not be awarded.

In a principal-agent relationship, courts are usually reluctant to award punitive damages on the principal for the reckless actions of the agent. However, if the principal encourages or causes the agent's recklessness, punitive damages may be awarded. For example, if a company encourages its employees to cut corners on safety measures, and an employee's recklessness causes harm to someone, the court may award punitive damages against the company.

Explanation: Exemplary damages are awarded to punish the defendant for their harmful behavior and to deter them from engaging in such behavior in the future. These damages are not meant to compensate the plaintiff for their losses but to send a message to the defendant and others that such behavior will not be tolerated. The court has discretion in awarding punitive damages and will consider the severity of the defendant's behavior and the harm caused to the plaintiff.

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MIAMI A
[] AromaticTroubledDormouse
20:55
How does one know if they are UR1 or UR2?
[] AromaticTroubledDormouse
20:56
CONGRATS MACAQUE!
TY
got a random stanford email and almost had a heart attack
ALSO CONGRATS!
Congrats1!
21:15
Miami A, yall I'm so excited I could cry.
21:15
Feel like I can finally stop holding my breath!! Whew!!!
[] baddestbunny
22:16
every time I get accosted by a strange man who follows me around because my male coworkers were too busy talking to walk me back to my car I get closer to saying we need to bring back traditional gender roles
Dkk
22:32
Nice! @Macaque
Dkk
22:32
@Aromatic, Have to guess.
Dkk
22:33
That sucks @Bunny do you have to go to the hospital?
[] baddestbunny
22:40
I said accosted not assaulted
23:35
guys. my notre dame address just went long is this good or bad
1a2b3c4d26z
23:37
Oooooo me too
23:37
omg is this good or bad
Dkk
23:47
Idk if gender roles are gunna fix that then.
23:49
it looks like most people who applied in october last cycle didn't get a decision until january... does it even mean anything that our addresses went long??
hows ED 2 compared to ED 1?
Dkk
0:10
No idea
windyMagician
0:34
reporting live to say my ndls address also went long
does it mean anything ^
Dkk
2:21
NDLS and Fordham took a very long time last year. It's good info for people to know.
[] baddestbunny
4:29
let’s get after it boys and girls
Dkk
5:21
I gtg to bed soon.
Dkk
5:22
Big day today. Gunna be a crazy one. I will sleep through the first half.
good morning lsd it is 5 am EST
also jazzy my ndls address went long ages ago i sadly do not think it means anything
my stanford address also went long LOL i think at most it's an indicator it's under review
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