Donald H. Hartvig, Inc. v. Clackamas Town Center Associates

This is an action for damages for fraud in the inducement of a lease. Plaintiff appeals from a judgment notwithstanding the verdict on its claim for punitive damages. We reverse.

In reviewing a judgment notwithstanding the verdict, we view the evidence in the light most favorable to the party in whose favor the jury rendered its verdict. Roberts v. Coleman et al, 228 Or 286, 288, 365 P2d 79 (1961). Plaintiff is the trustee in bankruptcy of Sanford’s, Inc., the owner of a chain of children’s clothing stores (Sanford’s). Clackamas Town Center (Center) is a shopping mall owned by defendant, a…