State v. Silva

OPINION

By the Court,

Thompson, J.:

Wife and husband brought suit against the State to recover damages incurred by reason of the forcible rape of the wife by an inmate of the Peavine Honor Camp, a state facility. At the close of the evidence the district court directed a verdict against the State on the issue of liability and allowed the jury to decide only the question of damages. The jury awarded damages of $300,000 and $100,000 to the wife and husband, respectively. Judgment was duly entered. The State moved for a new trial upon the ground of excessive damages, and, if unsuccessful, for a…