Limits needed on punitive damages

Re “Courting trouble,” editorial, Nov. 2

I applaud The Times for highlighting the problems with excessive punitive damage awards. It’s unfortunate that so far the Supreme Court is considering returning the case to lower courts. No one would deny that punitive damages are a necessary factor within the justice system. Unfortunately, the principle of punitive damages has been manipulated to the point that it benefits only personal injury lawyers. Judges, rather than juries, need to set punitive damage amounts according to specific criteria. They also need to set reasonable limits on the size of damages that are related to the degree of fault and injury. Otherwise, personal injury lawyers will continue to make their fortunes off one of the worst flaws in our civil justice system.

MARYANN MALONEY

Corona del Mar

The writer is executive director of Orange County Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse.