President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, announcing, that all persons held as slaves within the rebellious areas are, and henceforward shall be free..
Definition of punitive damages. : damages awarded in excess of compensation to the plaintiff to punish a defendant for a serious wrong.
Punitive damages are not awarded in every case, and a court must submit a punitive damages claim to a very rigorous and thorough analysis. They are typically available in civil matters such as tort and personal injuries claims where the defendantâs conduct is particularly reprehensible.