Discussion on Punitive Damages in Cases of Environmental Pollution and Ecological Damage -- Also on the Determination of Punitive Damages Amounts
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54097/7b387g28Keywords:
Environmental pollution and ecological damage, Tort, Punitive damages.Abstract
Articles 1229 to 1235 of the Civil Code of the People 's Republic of China are relevant legislation on infringement of environmental pollution and ecological damage. Among them, Article 1232 stipulates that if an infringer intentionally violates the law and causes serious consequences, the infringed party has the right to claim punitive damages. However, the article does not specify the amount and calculation method of punitive damages. The unclear and abstract calculation method may lead to excessive punishment that the parties cannot bear or too lenient punishment that fails to serve as a warning in judicial practice. The relevant judicial interpretation stipulates that the torts are divided into public interest torts and private interest torts. The base for private interest torts is personal injury and property loss, and the multiple is generally no more than two times; The base for public interest infringement is mostly functional loss, with a maximum multiple of three times. By referring to the amount of punitive damages in relevant domestic cases, the calculation method of "base + multiple" in the United States, and drawing inspiration from the percentage of "tip", the author has designed an amount calculation method that can be flexibly applied to all kinds of cases related to environmental pollution and ecological damage, and can also make punitive damages play a role in punishment and warning.
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