Punitive damages in law are meant to either resolve disputes between parties or address harm to the public. The Supreme Court sees them as serving the state’s interests and acting like criminal punishments. However, in practice, punitive damages are mainly tied to the harm suffered by the individual suing. This research shows that tort law (dealing with harm and liability) shapes how punitive damages are awarded. Such damages can’t punish public harm caused by a defendant, making them limited when based only on a small harm. Punitive damages also need to be specific to each case, even if there's worry about them being unpredictable. Essentially, tort law influences how punitive damages can be used, focusing on the harm suffered by the person suing.