Question

Damages intended to punish a defendant and deter the defendant from engaging in the same tortuous conduct in the future are called:
a. Penalty damages.
b. Retribution damages.
c. Punitive damages.
d. Preventative damages.
e. Nominal damages.

Answer 1

Answer:

c. Punitive damages.

Explanation:

Through the allocation of Punitive damages, it provides the distressed plaintiff the right to punish and deter the defendant from engaging in the same offense in the future.

Those who support punitive damages contends that such provisions would help the society from witnessing similar offences from the same person or an organisation in the future. In simple terms, punitive damages are like deterrence that will keep a check on the offender from making the same offence in the future.

It is a retributive action that tries to sends a message that offenders will be prosecuted with heavy penalty and consequences.