The deliberate killing, according to the forms of law,, of a person who has been lawfully convicted of certain crimes. See Capital crimes. … [Read more...]

In Scotland, this name is given to a debt actually due, in contradistinction to one which is to become due at a future day certain, which is called a future debt: and one due provisionally, in a certain event, which is called a contingent debt. … [Read more...]

Relating to punishment; having the character of punishment or penalty ; inflicting punishment or a penalty. Punitive damages. See DAMAGES. Punitive power. The power and authority of a state, or organized jural society, to inflict punishments upon those persons who have committed actions inherently evil and injurious to the public, or actions declared by the laws of that state … [Read more...]

One which is not suspended by any condition, whether it has been contracted without any condition, or when thus contracted, the condition has been performed. Poth. Obl. n. 176. … [Read more...]

Also known as special damages which are awarded by a court against a defendant where the defendant's action or inaction is particularly malicious or heinous and usually intentional. … [Read more...]