retributory damages

retributory damages
Also known as exemplary damages, retributory damages or vindictive damages.
Damages awarded in excess of the claimant's loss. They are intended to punish the defendant and are more closely connected to criminal law than tort or contract. Punitive damages are awarded occasionally in tort cases to mark the court's disapproval of the defendant's conduct (for example, in defamation actions); they are not available for breach of contract, as damages in contract are awarded on a compensatory basis. Under the present law, punitive damages cannot be awarded unless:
• The wrongdoer has committed a legal wrong for which punitive damages were awarded before 1964; and
• The wrongdoer's conduct falls into one or other of two limited categories of abuse of power by servants of government, or conduct which was motivated by the pursuit of profits.
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retributory damages
+ punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages
USA
The amount of money awarded to the claimant in civil litigation to punish the wrongdoer and to deter the wrongdoer and others from engaging in unlawful conduct in the future. Punitive damages must bear a reasonable relationship to the harm caused by the wrongdoer's actions, and are reserved only for situations in which the wrongdoer acted intentionally, recklessly or with gross negligence in causing the claimant's harm. Punitive damages are awarded to the claimant in addition to compensatory damages. Punitive damages generally may not be recovered for breach of contract.

Practical Law Dictionary. Glossary of UK, US and international legal terms. . 2010.

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  • punitive damages — see damage 2 Merriam Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam Webster. 1996. punitive damages …   Law dictionary

  • vindictive damages — Also known as exemplary damages, retributory damages or vindictive damages. Damages awarded in excess of the claimant s loss. They are intended to punish the defendant and are more closely connected to criminal law than tort or contract. Punitive …   Law dictionary

  • tortious measure of damages — Damages awarded in respect of a tort. Such damages aim to put the injured party back in the position he was in before the tort occurred. In tort, the claimant cannot recover expectation loss. But as the aim of tortious damages is to put the… …   Law dictionary

  • contractual measure of damages — Damages awarded for breach of contract. The principle of such an award is that the claimant is entitled to be put into the position as if the contract had been performed. Damages for breach of contract are subject to the principles of remoteness …   Law dictionary

  • claimant — claim·ant / klā mənt/ n: one that asserts a claim esp. formally Merriam Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam Webster. 1996. claimant I …   Law dictionary

  • punitory — adjective inflicting punishment punitive justice punitive damages • Syn: ↑punitive • Ant: ↑rehabilitative (for: ↑punitive) …   Useful english dictionary

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