Shea v. Cassidy

On Sunday evening, October 3, 1926, the defendant shot the plaintiff in the arm. While there is some evidence that the injury was permanent, the principal issue presented by this appeal is whether the punitive damages allowed were excessive. The jury assessed the damages at the sum of $50,000. The plaintiff agreed to a remittitur of $20,000. The trial court entered a judgment in favor of the plaintiff for $30,000. The defendant appealed.

The plaintiff kept company with the defendant’s daughter from some time in August 1924, until the shooting took place. He was a frequent visitor at the home…