Opinion ID: 1577849
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 576

Heading: First stage of bifurcated punitive damages procedure:

Text: There is an additional claim in this case that you must decide. If you find for (claimant) and against (defendant(s)), you must decide whether, in addition to compensatory damages, punitive damages are warranted as punishment to [one or more of] (defendant(s)) and as a deterrent to others. The trial of the punitive damages issue is divided into two parts. In this first part, you will decide whether the conduct of (defendant(s) or individual(s) whose conduct may warrant punitive damages) is such that punitive damages are warranted. If you decide that punitive damages are warranted, we will proceed to the second part of that issue during which the parties may present additional evidence and argument on the issue of punitive damages. I will then give you additional instructions, after which you will decide whether, in your discretion, punitive damages will be assessed and, if so, the amount.