Question

Melissa's tugboat accidentally collides with Tyler's yacht, and Tyler sues Melissa for negligence. A federal jury finds Melissa liable and awards Tyler $5,000 in compensatory damages as well as $50 million in punitive damages. Melissa appeals to the United States Supreme Court, challenging the punitive damages award. If the Supreme Court heard the case, it would likely:
a) Uphold the damage award as serving a legitimate purpose.
b) Uphold the damage award as proportional to the harm.
c) Overturn the punitive damage award as grossly excessive.
d) Refuse to review the issue because the court cannot overturn jury awards

Answer 1

Answer:

C. overturn the punitive damage award as grossly excessive

Explanation: