What is the primary aim of punitive damages?

The primary aim of punitive damages is to deter wrongful conduct by punishing the offender. Unlike compensatory damages, which are intended to reimburse the plaintiff for actual losses such as medical expenses or lost wages, punitive damages serve a different purpose. They are awarded not primarily to compensate the victim but to impose a financial penalty on the wrongdoer, thereby discouraging similar behavior in the future. This serves both a societal function and a legal function, highlighting that certain behaviors are unacceptable and will face significant repercussions.

Punitive damages are typically awarded in cases where the defendant's conduct was particularly egregious, willful, or malicious, reinforcing the principle that the legal system aims not just for restitution, but also for accountability and deterrence. The focus on punishment helps to emphasize the seriousness of the wrongdoing, aiming to prevent future offenses of the same nature.