Punitive damages may be awarded in § 1983 actions when the defendant's actions are reckless or malicious.

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Punitive damages may be awarded in § 1983 actions when the defendant's actions are reckless or malicious. This is because § 1983 allows individuals to seek damages for violations of their constitutional rights, and punitive damages can serve as a deterrent to prevent similar violations in the future. However, courts generally require a higher threshold of conduct for punitive damages in § 1983 cases than in typical tort cases.

Punitive Damages May Be Awarded in § 1983 Actions When