Re: Punitive damages
The tort law system is one method of regulating dangerous behavior by bad actors. Direct governmental regulation, criminal law for example, is another. Both have their plusses and minuses.
If you go with the tort law system, however, it is essential that the plaintiff's lawyers and the plaintiffs get at least some of the award above and beyond actual damages (medical + pain and suffering). If not, there is no incentive for the lawyer and plaintiff to play their proper role in this system of regulation.
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