I hate Punitive Damages
There is one aspect of tort actions that has always bewildered and frustrated me. That is "punitive damages." (Should that be "those are punitive damages" even though I call it one aspect? Help, Boomer.) Okay, something happens, someone has damages. They should have those damages remedied. We'll even throw in a bundle for pain and suffering for the plaintiff and lawyer to split. But suppose the court rules that the tort was the result of egregious action/inaction/misaction on the part of the defendant. They want to make sure he gets the point that he is in the wrong and maybe set an example, so the court adds another $25mil in punitive damages.
So, why the hell should that $25mil go to the plaintiff and shyster -- oops -- attorney? They have already been handsomely rewarded in the other remedies ordered. They have no right or claim on this additional award. I'd initially thought the money could go into the community general fund, but I now question whether that might turn the courts into revenue grabbers, kinda high tech speed traps. Then I thought maybe give all punitive fines to charity. I wouldn't mind seeing the money go to the local County Home for the Bewildered or other worthwhile organization, but I realize the inherent danger in trying to select a few out of so many. But rather than go to the plaintiff team, I'd rather see the punitive awards collected, converted to cash, and burned on the courthouse steps.
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