Precise Punishment: Why Precise Punitive Damage Requests Result in Higher Awards Than Round Requests

Imagine a setting where someone asks two people what the temperature is outside. The first person says it 80 °F, while second 78.7 °F. Research regarding precise versus round cognitive anchoring suggests that more likely to be believed. This because human nature assume if gives answer, he must have good reason for doing so. principle remains constant in variety of settings, including used car negotiations, eBay transactions, and estimating field goal percentage basketball player. Article reports results first-of-its-kind study involving over 600 participants designed measure this same applies punitive damage requests from plaintiffs’ attorneys. In other words, can plaintiff’s attorney increase damages awarded simply by requesting $497,000 instead $500,000. stark differences produced such subtle costless change provide valuable strategy attorneys, cautionary warning civil defense constructive insight into subjective juror decision-making.