Final answer:
Punitive damages allowed under the CRA 1991 vary depending on the case and judge's discretion. The Supreme Court has set constitutional limitations to ensure that punitive damages are reasonable and not excessive. State laws may also impose additional limits on punitive damages.
Step-by-step explanation:
The maximum punitive damages allowed under the Civil Rights Act of 1991 (CRA) would depend on the specific circumstances of the case and the judge's discretion. The CRA is a federal law that provides remedies for victims of discrimination in employment and other areas. Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant for their wrongdoing and deter similar conduct in the future.
While there is no specific cap on punitive damages mentioned in the CRA, the Supreme Court has established constitutional limitations on punitive damages through various rulings. These limitations ensure that punitive damages are reasonable and not excessive. For example, in the landmark case of State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. v. Campbell (2003), the Supreme Court held that punitive damages should generally not exceed a single-digit ratio to the compensatory damages awarded to the plaintiff. However, in exceptional cases involving particularly egregious conduct, the Court has allowed higher ratios. It is important to note that state laws may also impose additional limits on punitive damages.