Amici Group Supports Punitive Damages Cap in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- An amici group has weighed in on a punitive damage cap dispute in Arkansas, arguing that a trial court erred in ruling that the cap violated the state's constitution. Beverly Enterprises Inc., et al. v. Valeria Keaton, et al., No. CA 08 00834 (Ark. Ct. App.).

In the Oct. 20 brief, the group urges the Arkansas Court of Appeals to refer to decisions from 18 other states in which a cap on punitive damages was upheld.

The amici argue that the companies have an interest in protecting defendants "from punitive damages overkill," and in "ensuring …