Ableman v. Holman

In instructing the jury the trial court said:

“The wealth of the defendant or want of it may be considered in assessing exemplary damages, as what might be adequate in view of the purpose of such damages in case of a man of small means, might not be so in case of a man of great or considerable wealth. In assessing compensatory damages, however, the wealth or want of it of the defendant is not at all to be considered. The amount should be fixed solely with regard to what is sufficient to compensate the plaintiff, not at all with regard to defendant’s ability or inability to pay,”

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