- FindLaw

THE TOBACCO VERDICT AND THE PROBLEM WITH PUNITIVE DAMAGES

FindLaw columnist and federal prosecutor Barton Aronson reflects on the recently-upheld verdict of $145 billion in punitive damages in a class action against the tobacco companies. He argues that we should be concerned about unfairness when civil suits like this one result in harsh punishments, because civil defendants lack the protections criminal defendants enjoy.

THE TOBACCO VERDICT AND THE PROBLEM WITH PUNITIVE DAMAGES
FindLaw columnist and federal prosecutor Barton Aronson reflects on the recently-upheld verdict of $145 billion in punitive damages in a class action against the tobacco companies. He argues that we should be concerned about unfairness when civil suits like this one result in harsh punishments, because civil defendants lack the protections criminal defendants enjoy.
Friday, Nov. 17, 2000

Was this helpful?

Why was this helpful?

Easy to understand

Solved my problem

Other

Why was this not helpful?

Missing the information I need

Too complicated / too many steps

Out of date

Other