Jacque v. Steenberg Homes, Inc.
Wisconsin Supreme Court
563 N.W.2d 154 (Wis. 1997)
Relevant factsFree
Steenberg Homes (defendant) delivered a mobile home to a neighbor of the Jacques (plaintiffs) by driving across the Jacques' property, despite the Jacques expressly refusing permission. The sheriff issued Steenberg only a $30 citation, and the Jacques sued; the jury awarded $1 in nominal damages and $100,000 in punitive damages, but the circuit court set aside the punitive award, and the court of appeals affirmed that decision. The Jacques appealed.
IssueFree
Whether punitive damages may be awarded for an intentional trespass without an accompanying award of compensatory damages.