ServSafe Alcohol Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive Test Prep

Punitive damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer for their conduct and serve as a deterrent to prevent similar behavior in the future. Unlike compensatory damages, which are intended to compensate the injured party for losses suffered due to an incident or wrongdoing, punitive damages go beyond mere compensation. They focus on the wrongfulness of the defendant's actions, aiming to express societal condemnation and discourage others from engaging in similar misconduct.

This type of damages is typically awarded in cases where the defendant's behavior is found to be particularly harmful, reckless, or intentional. By imposing punitive damages, the court signals that such behavior will not be tolerated, thereby contributing to a sense of justice and encouraging adherence to legal standards. This function is critical in shaping societal norms around acceptable behavior.