Final answer:
Punitive damages are awarded not to compensate the plaintiff, but to punish the defendant. They serve as a form of punishment and deterrent for the defendant's wrongful actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Punitive damages are awarded not to compensate the plaintiff, but to punish the defendant and are sometimes referred to as exemplary damages. These damages are meant to deter the defendant and others from engaging in similar conduct in the future. In civil cases, punitive damages are usually awarded when the defendant's behavior is particularly egregious or reckless.
Punitive damages serve as a form of punishment for the defendant's wrongful actions and are meant to make an example out of them. The purpose is to deter others from engaging in similar conduct by imposing a substantial financial penalty. For example, if a company is found guilty of producing a dangerous product that causes harm to consumers, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the company and send a message to other companies to prioritize safety.
It's worth noting that punitive damages are not awarded in every civil case, as they require a higher burden of proof than compensatory damages. The amount of punitive damages awarded varies depending on factors such as the severity of the defendant's actions, the harm caused, and the financial resources of the defendant.