v. Smith-Cote (In re Cote)

¶44 Fundamental to this case are the definition of compensatory damages and the Gore ratio-"the disparity between the actual or potential harm suffered by the plaintiff and the punitive damages award." State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. v. Campbell , 538 U.S. 408, 418, 123 S.Ct. 1513, 1520, 155 L.Ed.2d 585 (2003) (citing BMW of N. Am. v. Gore , 517 U.S. 559, 575, 116 S.Ct. 1589, 1598, 134 L.Ed.2d 809 (1996) ). A precise definition of compensatory damages is critical here-absent an award of compensatory damages, we may not uphold an award of punitive damages. Folsom , ¶ 52. The reissuance of stock…