What is a "punitive damages" award intended to accomplish in Utah law?

A punitive damages award is intended to serve a specific purpose beyond merely compensating the plaintiff for their losses. In Utah law, as in many jurisdictions, punitive damages are designed primarily to punish a defendant for particularly egregious or reckless misconduct and to deter both the defendant and others from engaging in similar behavior in the future. This role of punitive damages emphasizes the societal interest in discouraging harmful actions and ensuring that individuals and corporations act responsibly.

Compensatory damages focus on reimbursing the plaintiff for actual losses, whereas punitive damages go a step further, functioning as a tool to impose financial penalties on the wrongdoer, thereby reinforcing community standards and expectations regarding proper conduct. This purpose aligns with the broader goals of the legal system to promote justice and uphold social order.