New Mexico Jury Instruction - 2.1 Punitive Damages In General

• Category: Federal - Jury Instructions - Supplemental Damage
• State: Multi-State
• Control #: US-11C-2-1-0
• Format: Word; Rich Text

Description

This form contains sample jury instructions, to be used across the United States. These questions are to be used only as a model, and should be altered to more perfectly fit your own cause of action needs.

New Mexico Jury Instruction — 2.1 Punitive Damages In General is a legal guideline provided to jurors in New Mexico that explains the concept and purpose of punitive damages in civil cases. Punitive damages are awarded by a jury to punish the defendant and deter similar misconduct in the future. These damages are distinct from compensatory damages, which are meant to compensate the plaintiff for actual losses or harm suffered. In New Mexico, Jury Instruction — 2.1 introduces the concept of punitive damages and outlines the conditions under which they can be awarded. It emphasizes that punitive damages are not available in every case and must meet certain criteria for their proper application. The instruction instructs the jury to consider the defendant's conduct that led to the harm and determine whether it was willful, reckless, malicious, or wanton. These types of conduct significantly exceed ordinary negligence. The purpose of punitive damages, as explained in New Mexico Jury Instruction — 2.1, is to impose an additional financial burden on the defendant to deter similar behavior in the future. By awarding punitive damages, the jury signals that the defendant's actions were particularly egregious and that society expects them to face substantial repercussions. While New Mexico Jury Instruction — 2.1 Punitive Damages In General encompasses the general principles regarding punitive damages, there may be additional instructions or variations depending on the specific circumstances of different cases. Some possible types or variations of Jury Instruction — 2.1 include: 1. New Mexico Jury Instruction — 2.1.1: Aggravation of Conduct: This instruction elaborates on situations where defendant's conduct has been intentionally aggravated, escalating it to a level of recklessness or malice that justifies punitive damages. 2. New Mexico Jury Instruction — 2.1.2: Multiple Defendants: This instruction addresses cases where multiple defendants are involved, clarifying how the jury should determine the punitive damages in proportion to each defendant's respective fault. It's important for jurors to pay close attention to the specific instructions provided by the court in each case, as they can be tailored to the unique circumstances and legal interpretations involved. Following the given jury instructions helps ensure a fair and consistent application of the law in determining punitive damages.