Court Opinion

ID: 9565785
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-21 19:27:47.199416+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:19:53.325276
License: Public Domain

Weltner, Justice,
concurring specially.
I concur in the judgment affirming Case no. 44925, and in the judgment reversing the award of punitive damages in Case no. 44926. However, I believe that such a result properly is reached without considering the scope of our state constitution’s prohibition of unusual punishments.
The rationale of the opinion is based upon its conclusion that the case “sounds in tort.” (Opinion, p. 117.) With that I disagree, in view of the heavy emphasis placed at trial upon the breach by Colonial of its agreement to bury the pipeline at a certain depth. That aspect of the claim is, in my opinion, one “arising on contracts” within the meaning of OCGA § 13-6-10. Accordingly, and notwithstanding other particulars of negligence, it cannot support an award for exemplary damages because of the express prohibition contained in the code section.
While the charge in this case reflects a commendable comprehensiveness, it nonetheless failed to advise the jury as to this critically important prohibition. There being an adequate exception to the charge on punitive damages, it is my opinion that a new trial should be ordered on that ground.