What are exemplary damages intended to achieve in a legal context?

Exemplary damages, also known as punitive damages, serve the specific purpose of punishing a defendant for particularly egregious or intentional misconduct and deterring similar future behavior. Unlike compensatory damages, which aim to provide financial restitution for loss or injury suffered, exemplary damages go beyond mere compensation and are meant to express societal condemnation and serve as a warning to others about the consequences of reckless or malicious actions.

In cases where a defendant’s conduct is found to be reckless or intentionally harmful, the court may award exemplary damages to reflect the seriousness of the misconduct and to discourage not just the defendant but others from engaging in similar behavior. This mechanism thus emphasizes accountability and ethical compliance within society.

The other options focus on compensatory aspects of damages: lost wages, medical expenses, and legal fees pertain to specific losses incurred as a result of a defendant’s actions. However, exemplary damages specifically target the wrongfulness of the behavior itself, reinforcing the notion that society will not tolerate certain types of harmful conduct.