Punitive Statute
/ˈpjuːnɪtɪv ˈstætʃuːt/
Definitions
- (n.) A statute that imposes penalties, fines, or sanctions intended to punish wrongdoing rather than compensate a victim.
The court applied a punitive statute to impose fines on the corporation for violating environmental laws.
Forms
- punitive statute
- punitive statutes
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Punitive statutes focus on deterrence and punishment rather than restitution or compensation; drafters should clearly distinguish them from remedial statutes to avoid ambiguity.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.