How Do You Spell STATUTORY DAMAGES?

1. Statutory damages refer to a type of monetary compensation that is prescribed by law and awarded by a court or administrative body for the violation of certain statutory rights or legal provisions, regardless of the actual monetary loss suffered by the aggrieved party. These damages are predetermined and set forth in statutes governing specific areas of law, such as intellectual property, consumer protection, or employment regulations.

   Unlike actual damages, which are intended to compensate for the direct financial harm caused by a wrongdoing, statutory damages serve multiple purposes. Primarily, they seek to deter or punish the wrongdoer by establishing a fixed amount of damages that can be claimed without proving specific harm. This approach aims to streamline legal proceedings and reduce the burden on the plaintiff, who would otherwise have to prove actual damages suffered.

   The set amount of statutory damages outlined in legislation varies depending on the nature of the infringement, the specific statute, and the jurisdiction where the case is being adjudicated. For instance, in cases of copyright infringement, statutory damages may range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars per copyrighted work infringed.

   Statutory damages are considered an essential tool in enforcing certain rights and legal provisions, especially when it is challenging to determine the actual harm done. By providing pre-established amounts, statutory damages ensure that wrongdoers can face appropriate consequences irrespective of whether or not the specific harm or loss can be quantified or proven with certainty.

Common Misspellings for STATUTORY DAMAGES

The word "statutory damages" has its etymology rooted in English law and legal terminology.

- "Statutory" derives from the term "statute", which refers to a formal written law enacted by a legislative body. The word comes from the Latin "statutum", meaning "a thing set up" or "established". In the legal context, "statutory" indicates that a law has been enacted through legislation rather than being derived from common law or case law.

- "Damages" has origins in the Old French word "damage" and the Latin "damnum", meaning "loss" or "harm". In legal contexts, damages refer to the monetary compensation awarded by a court for a breach of contract or tortious act that results in harm, injury, or loss.

So, "statutory damages" refers to monetary compensation or awards established by legislative bodies through statutes or laws.