Edens v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

I agree with the majority that there was adequate evidence in the record for the jury to find that there was a valid contract among the parties and that Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company had breached it. However, because the actions of Goodyear did not rise to the level of a “fraudulent act” accompanying a breach of contract pursuant to South Carolina law, I respectfully dissent from the affirmance of the award of punitive damages.

South Carolina courts repeatedly have explained that a mere breach of a contract, even if willful or with fraudulent purpose, is not sufficient to entitle a…