Punitive is defined by the dictionary as aiming at, concerned with, or inflicting punishment. Most of us are probably aware of punitive damages which are court ordered monetary awards that are given to a plaintiff by a defendant, amounting to a large sum of money that covers beyond the plaintiff’s financial losses.
The purpose of such damages is to ensure that the plaintiff receives compensation for the losses and expenditure they had to endure. In addition, it is a form of punishment for the defendant. In order to determine if punitive damages should be awarded, many things need to be considered, such as the extent of the defendant’s wrongdoing. It is important that punitive damages aren’t confused with compensatory damages. The latter pays the cost of the actual damages experienced in the case, whereas punitive damages include an extra amount of money on top of the actual damages. The Supreme Court has identified that there needs to be a limit on the amount of extra damages awarded but it is not clear what the limit is. The most important thing when deciding on how much punitive damages should be awarded is the seriousness of the case. There is no definitive amount that is required as it is simply done on a case by case basis.
Punitive is a term associated with punitive condition probation which is a more restrictive probation service in the criminal justice system, where punishment is heavily emphasised. An offender will have to carry out a number of tasks including community service. If they’re completed then the offender can be considered for release from the probationary term. If these requirements are not met then incarceration is the most likely outcome, however if the offender sticks with it then they may avoid going to jail or prison.
The purpose of such damages is to ensure that the plaintiff receives compensation for the losses and expenditure they had to endure. In addition, it is a form of punishment for the defendant. In order to determine if punitive damages should be awarded, many things need to be considered, such as the extent of the defendant’s wrongdoing. It is important that punitive damages aren’t confused with compensatory damages. The latter pays the cost of the actual damages experienced in the case, whereas punitive damages include an extra amount of money on top of the actual damages. The Supreme Court has identified that there needs to be a limit on the amount of extra damages awarded but it is not clear what the limit is. The most important thing when deciding on how much punitive damages should be awarded is the seriousness of the case. There is no definitive amount that is required as it is simply done on a case by case basis.
Punitive is a term associated with punitive condition probation which is a more restrictive probation service in the criminal justice system, where punishment is heavily emphasised. An offender will have to carry out a number of tasks including community service. If they’re completed then the offender can be considered for release from the probationary term. If these requirements are not met then incarceration is the most likely outcome, however if the offender sticks with it then they may avoid going to jail or prison.
