Final answer:
Punitive damages are awarded in civil cases as a form of punishment for the defendant's wrongdoing. They are meant to penalize the defendant and deter others from similar misconduct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Punitive damages are damages awarded to a plaintiff in a civil case as a form of punishment for the defendant's wrongdoing. Unlike compensatory damages, which are intended to compensate the plaintiff for their losses, punitive damages are meant to penalize the defendant and deter others from similar misconduct. These damages are typically awarded in cases where the defendant's conduct was particularly egregious or reckless. For example, if a company knowingly sells a dangerous product and causes significant harm to consumers, a court may award punitive damages to discourage such behavior.