https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punitive_damages https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punitive_damages $36m is rational from an economic perspective. It's a giant slap

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punitive_damages https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punitive_damages $36m is rational from an economic perspective. It's a giant slap on the wrist to a) stop them doing it again and b) stop others doing it again. If you don't have punitive, a wealthy person(/business/organization) can do something awful to a poor person which causes them great harm (e.g. $50k) but the rich person can easily afford.