Define punitive damages.

Define punitive damages.

• A. Reimburses actual losses
• B. Damages awarded for emotional distress only
• C. Damages awarded in addition to actual damages when the defendant acted with recklessness, malice, or deceit
• D. Nominal damages

Answer: (C)

Punitive damages are damages awarded in addition to the actual losses to punish the defendant for especially wrongful conduct and to deter others from similar behavior. They go beyond compensating the plaintiff for harm and are reserved for actions showing recklessness, malice, or deceit. They are not about reimbursing actual injuries (that's what compensatory damages cover), nor are they limited to emotional distress alone, and they are not nominal damages, which are merely token amounts with little or no harm.

Punitive damages are damages awarded in addition to the actual losses to punish the defendant for especially wrongful conduct and to deter others from similar behavior. They go beyond compensating the plaintiff for harm and are reserved for actions showing recklessness, malice, or deceit. They are not about reimbursing actual injuries (that's what compensatory damages cover), nor are they limited to emotional distress alone, and they are not nominal damages, which are merely token amounts with little or no harm.