FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 25, 2008                    Contact: Sheldon Gilbert

Supreme Court Throws Out 'Excessive' Exxon Punitive Damages Award
Court Sets 'Fair Upper Limit' in Similar Maritime Cases

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Supreme Court today vacated the $2.5 billion punitive damages award against Exxon, finding that the award was excessive according to judge-made maritime law. 

"This is good news for companies concerned about reining in excessive punitive damages," said Tom Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.  "For years the Chamber has argued that punitive damages are too unpredictable and unfair, and today the Court agreed."

"The decision could have an effect far beyond federal maritime law," according to Robin Conrad, executive vice President of the National Chamber Litigation Center.  "Limiting punitive damages to no more than the amount of a compensatory award will go a long way in cabining unpredictable punitive damages."

NCLC is the public policy law firm of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that advocates fair treatment of business in the courts and before regulatory agencies. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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NCLC