Final answer:
The $100,000 in damages that Jack has been ordered to pay for causing an environmental disaster by pouring motor oil down a storm drain are known as punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish the perpetrator and deter similar future conduct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of damages that a court decides Jack should pay to 'set an example' for others who might be tempted to pollute the environment are known as punitive damages. These are awarded in addition to compensatory damages and are intended to punish the defendant for egregious behavior and to deter similar conduct in the future. They are not tied to the specific harm suffered by the plaintiff, but rather are considered a form of punishment for the wrongdoer's conduct.
History is full of environmental crises, like the oil disaster on the Louisiana Gulf Coast in 2010, which have led to significant toxic residue and environmental degradation. Cases like the Love Canal incident or the Exxon Valdez oil spill have resulted in extensive clean-up efforts and sometimes, punitive damages against the responsible parties for their negligence or willful disregard for the environment.
Environmental law often deals with complex issues where the actions of individuals or corporations lead to pollution that affects entire communities or ecosystems. Such actions can lead to lawsuits where the courts assess the environmental damage and levy penalties that can include not just the cleanup costs, but also damages to deter similar future conduct.