The book contains reports from selected jurisdictions that explicitly allow the award of punitive damages, in particular, England, South Africa and the United States. Several jurisdictions vehemently deny the existence of punitive damages yet some covertly incorporate the same into the framework of their tort systems. Thus, the position in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Scandinavia as well as that under EC Law is considered. The book also benefits from two general reports: the first offers an economic analysis of punitive damages and the second focuses on the insurability of such damages. It is concluded by an analysis of punitive damages: their nature, goals and suitability in the field of tort law and private law in general. ukryj opis