Missouri Law Regarding Punitive Damages and the Doctrine of Remittitur

The imposition of punitive damages can devastate defendants, be they individuals or large corporations. Fortunately for these defendants, the jury does not have the final word on the amount of damages. This Note addresses the circumstances under which punitive damages are available in Missouri and when the doctrine of remittitur will be used so that damage awards comport with Missouri's prohibition against excessive awards and the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.