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.
Money Damages. 1  You can get nominal damages if your rights have been violated. 2  You can get compensatory damages to make up for physical or other harm you were caused. 3  You can get punitive damages to punish guards who hurt you on purpose.