united-states virginia punitive-damages
Why would a jury award more punitive damages than is allowed by the law?
<p>I read on <a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/06/01/1102118755/depp-heard-trial-verdict" rel="noreferrer">https://www.npr.org/2022/06/01/1102118755/depp-heard-trial-verdict</a>:</p>
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<p>The seven-member jury found that Depp is entitled to $10 million in compensatory damages and punitive damages of $5 million. But, because Virginia state law limits punitive damages to $350,000, the actual amount to be awarded Depp is $10.35 millions.</p>
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<p>Why would a jury award more punitive damages than what the law allows?</p>

<p>The jury isn't told what the law allows. They are told to come up with a number and if it exceeds what the law allows, the judge modifies it in response to post-judgment motions.</p>
