George v. Bolen-Williams, Realtors

Rees, J.:

This is an action for breach of fiduciary duty allegedly owed plaintiff by the appellants (hereafter “defendants”), who were real estate brokers engaged in business as partners. Judgment was entered upon jury verdict for $180,000 compensatory damages and $184,647 punitive damages. Defendants appeal. We affirm as to the compensatory damages and, subject to acceptance of remittitur, reverse for new trial as to punitive damages.

The case was tried on the theory that defendant Williams had undertaken to act as plaintiff’s agent and that the fiduciary duty arising by reason of that agency…