California appellate court sustains $450,000 in exemplary damages for defamation, 10 times the compensatory award
Sunkist Enterprises Corp. v. Mahmood (Cal. App. Dec. 12, 2011)
Decision: official; Leagle
Opinion by Presiding Justice William R. McGuiness
Plaintiff sued his uncle for defamation, recovering $60,000 in compensatory damages and $1 million in exemplary damages. The trial court remitted the amounts to $45,000 and $450,000 (10-to-1 ratio). The appellate court affirmed.
George Paul Eshoo for plaintiff.
Mark Alan Olson for defendant.