Opinion ID: 1577849
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 322

Heading: Bifurcated procedure:

Text: If you find for (claimant) and against (name person or entity whose conduct may warrant punitive damages), you should consider whether, in addition to compensatory damages, punitive damages are warranted in the circumstances of this case as punishment 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 (name defendant 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 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. Standard if statement was on a matter of public concern: Punitive damages are warranted if you find by clear and convincing evidence that at the time of making the statement (defendant) knew the statement was false or had serious doubts as to its truth; and if the greater weight of the evidence shows that (defendant's) primary purpose in making the statement was to indulge ill will, hostility, and an intent to harm (claimant). Standard if statement was not a matter of public concern: Punitive damages are warranted if you find by the greater weight of the evidence that (defendant's) primary purpose in making the statement was to indulge ill will, hostility, and an intent to harm (claimant). [You may determine that punitive damages are warranted against one defendant and not the other[s] or against more than one defendant.] Use 503.1b(2)-b(4) as necessary for direct and vicarious liability. Use 503.1c for second stage of bifurcated punitive damages procedure. (2). Non-bifurcated procedure: If you find for (claimant) and against (name person or entity whose conduct may warrant punitive damages), you should consider whether, in addition to compensatory damages, punitive damages are warranted in the circumstances of this case as a punishment and as a deterrent to others. Standard if statement was on a matter of public concern: Punitive damages are warranted if you find by clear and convincing evidence that at the time of making the statement (defendant) knew the statement was false or had serious doubts as to its truth; and if the greater weight of the evidence shows that (defendant's) primary purpose in making the statement was to indulge ill will, hostility, and an intent to harm (claimant). Standard if statement was not a matter of public concern: Punitive damages are warranted if you find by the greater weight of the evidence that (defendant's) primary purpose in making the statement was to indulge ill will, hostility, and an intent to harm (claimant). [You may determine that punitive damages are warranted against one defendant and not the other[s] or against more than one defendant.] Use 503.2b(2)-b(4) as necessary for direct and vicarious liability. Use 503.2c for determination of amount of damages.