The U.S. Supreme Court has overturned a $145 million punitive damage verdict. Seems State Farm thought it was too much, and the Supremes agreed. Hre's a news release from ATLA. Also, for those interested, here's the ATLA amicus brief. Here's the text of the opinion. How Appealing has a detailed write-up of the case -- just scroll down to item 2. There are links to other newspaper articles about the decision here.

In the strange bedfellows department, Justices Scalia and Thomas dissent from the majority, arguing that there is no constitutional authority for limiting punitive damages. I'm with 'em on this one.