Opinion ID: 2468655
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Directed Verdict on Punitive Damages

Text: Tom Gibson Ford submits that the recovery of punitive damages is dependent on proof that it intentionally converted Ms. McKenzie's money, and, it claims, the record is devoid of evidence that Gibson intentionally gave her check to Ford Motor Credit. Oaklawn Bank v. Baldwin, 289 Ark. 79, 709 S.W.2d 91 (1986). But there was evidence that a check in the possession of Tom Gibson Ford came into the hands of Ford Motor Credit Company and the jury could infer that the delivery to Ford Motor Credit was deliberate. That being so, it was for the jury to decide whether punitive damages should be awarded. Shepherd v. Looper, 293 Ark. 29, 732 S.W.2d 150 (1987); Williams v. O'Neal Ford, Inc., 282 Ark. 362, 668 S.W.2d 545 (1984); Olson v. Riddle, 280 Ark. 535, 659 S.W.2d 759 (1983). Ford Motor Credit Company v. Herring, 267 Ark. 201, 589 S.W.2d 584 (1979). There was also testimony that Gibson refused Ms. McKenzie's request for assistance in recovering her money, which, if believed by the jury, would support a conclusion that the check was deliberately delivered to Ford Motor Credit. It was, therefore, error to direct a verdict on the issue of punitive damages.