$80,000 per song... That is fucked up (pardon my language), but that is fucked up.
Edit: Isn't the law supposed to protect against ridiculous punishments like these?
Edit: Isn't the law supposed to protect against ridiculous punishments like these?
When malice or fraud are involved, there is no limit on punitive damages. Note that the fraud must be part of the crime itself; Thomas' perjury on the stand should play no role in punitive damages.
The award will almost certainly be reduced...however...it is likely that Thomas will settle before then. Though $200k was outrageous in the first trial, unique circumstances in this trial make it unlikely that the judge will reduce the amount to anywhere close that number, given that a separate and independent jury found such a large number.