Moritz Nappe, Plaintiff-Appellant and Cross-Respondent v. Anschelewitz, Barr, Ansell & Bonello, a New Jersey…

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey held that compensatory damages are not an essential element of a legal fraud claim and that punitive damages may be awarded without a compensatory award where the plaintiff suffers some injury, loss, or detriment. The Court vacated certification on the "sweetheart lease" issue and reversed in part and affirmed in part the Appellate Division’s rulings, remanding for a new trial on liability, compensatory, and punitive damages.