There is a wealth of information about punitive damages on the Internet, including the Web sites of various organizations and law schools, as well as blogs. Here is a sample of what’s available.
The American Tort Reform Association (“ATRA”) Web site provides arguments in favor of limiting punitive damages, www.atra.org. ATRA’s position is that the U.S. Supreme Court has expressed serious concern in recent years that punitive damages awards in this country have “run wild,” jeopardizing fundamental constitutional rights. The Court has provided some general controls, holding that the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment imposes both substantive limits on the size of punitive damages awards and procedural limits on when and how punitive damages may be awarded. ATRA thinks excessive punitive damages awards continue to be a major problem in many states. It provides information on the history of punitive damages and their “In Terrorem” effect on the tort system.
