{"id":1929,"date":"2021-10-25T03:55:30","date_gmt":"2021-10-25T03:55:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/crowdsourcelawyers.com\/judicial-council-california-civil-jury-instructions-caci\/?page_id=1929"},"modified":"2022-05-09T18:36:32","modified_gmt":"2022-05-09T18:36:32","slug":"caci-3944-punitive-damages-against-employer-or-principal-for-conduct-of-a-specific-agent-or-employee-bifurcated-trial-first-phase","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/crowdsourcelawyers.com\/judicial-council-california-civil-jury-instructions-caci\/caci-3944-punitive-damages-against-employer-or-principal-for-conduct-of-a-specific-agent-or-employee-bifurcated-trial-first-phase\/","title":{"rendered":"CACI 3944 Punitive Damages Against Employer or Principal for Conduct of a Specific Agent or Employee\u2014Bifurcated Trial (First Phase)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-kv28juyg-1a06fb6d045e34eae7fb1d8773a44654\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-kv28juyg-1a06fb6d045e34eae7fb1d8773a44654{\npadding-bottom:10px;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-kv28juyg-1a06fb6d045e34eae7fb1d8773a44654 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-kv28juyg-1a06fb6d045e34eae7fb1d8773a44654 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-kv28juyg-1a06fb6d045e34eae7fb1d8773a44654 av-special-heading-h1 blockquote modern-quote  avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_hr  avia-builder-el-first '><h1 class='av-special-heading-tag '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >CACI 3944 Punitive Damages Against Employer or Principal for Conduct of a Specific Agent or Employee\u2014Bifurcated Trial (First Phase)<\/h1><div class='av-subheading av-subheading_below'><p>California Civil Jury Instructions CACI<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div  class='hr av-av_hr-91d7ccd583a503147498e120fee2ff9b hr-default  avia-builder-el-1  el_after_av_heading  el_before_avia_sc_search '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-avia_sc_search-f7f83518637509acfac1c9900b84c1e7\">\n#top .avia_search_element.av-avia_sc_search-f7f83518637509acfac1c9900b84c1e7 .av_searchform_wrapper{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\nborder-color:#edae44;\nbackground-color:#edae44;\n}\n#top .avia_search_element.av-avia_sc_search-f7f83518637509acfac1c9900b84c1e7 #s.av-input-field{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n#top .avia_search_element.av-avia_sc_search-f7f83518637509acfac1c9900b84c1e7 #searchsubmit{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n#top .avia_search_element.av-avia_sc_search-f7f83518637509acfac1c9900b84c1e7 .av_searchsubmit_wrapper{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n.ajax_search_response.av-avia_sc_search-f7f83518637509acfac1c9900b84c1e7{\npadding:0px 0px 0px 0px;\nmargin:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia_search_element av-avia_sc_search-f7f83518637509acfac1c9900b84c1e7  avia-builder-el-2  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_textblock '><search><form action='https:\/\/crowdsourcelawyers.com\/judicial-council-california-civil-jury-instructions-caci\/' id='searchform_element' method='get' class='' data-element_id='av-avia_sc_search-f7f83518637509acfac1c9900b84c1e7' ><div class='av_searchform_wrapper'><input type='search' value='' id='s' name='s' placeholder='Search CACI' aria-label='Search CACI' class='av-input-field ' required \/><div class='av_searchsubmit_wrapper '><input type='submit' value='Find' id='searchsubmit' class='button ' title='View results on search page' aria-label='View results on search page' \/><\/div><input type='hidden' name='numberposts' value='8' \/><input type='hidden' name='post_type' value='page' \/><input type='hidden' name='results_hide_fields' value='post_titles,meta,image' \/><\/div><\/form><\/search><\/div>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-av_textblock-e878f05c31dff72941bf1e49a00d9ff5 '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/crowdsourcelawyers.com\/judicial-council-california-civil-jury-instructions-caci\/\">CACI Jury Instructions Index<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/caci-fillable-forms.crowdsourcelawyers.com\/\">App: CACI Jury Instructions Fillable Forms Word Format<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section>\n<div  class='hr av-83wno9-80a004b409dbc2046b611c09516202bf hr-default  avia-builder-el-4  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_textblock '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-kv28l5cd-22b9a1180a7b70a6e6f4e9781418c02b\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-kv28l5cd-22b9a1180a7b70a6e6f4e9781418c02b .avia_textblock{\nfont-size:20px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-kv28l5cd-22b9a1180a7b70a6e6f4e9781418c02b '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h2 class=\"SS_Banner\">3944\u00a0Punitive Damages Against Employer or Principal for Conduct of a Specific Agent or Employee\u2014Bifurcated Trial (First Phase)<\/h2>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">If you decide that [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of employee\/agent<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">]\u2019s conduct caused [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of plaintiff<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">] harm, you must decide whether that conduct justifies an award of punitive damages against [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of defendant<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">] for [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of employee\/agent<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">]\u2019s conduct. At this time, you must decide whether [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of plaintiff<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">] has proved by clear and convincing evidence that [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of employee\/agent<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">] engaged in that conduct with malice, oppression, or fraud. The amount of punitive damages, if any, will be decided later.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">\u201cMalice\u201d means that [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of employee\/agent<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">] acted with intent to cause injury or that [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of employee\/agent<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">]\u2019s conduct was despicable and was done with a willful and knowing disregard of the rights or safety of another. A person acts with knowing disregard when the person is aware of the probable dangerous consequences of the person\u2019s conduct and deliberately fails to avoid those consequences.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">\u201cOppression\u201d means that [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of employee\/agent<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">]\u2019s conduct was despicable and subjected [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of plaintiff<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">] to cruel and unjust hardship in knowing disregard of [his\/her\/<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">nonbinary pronoun<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">] rights.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">\u201cDespicable conduct\u201d is conduct that is so vile, base, or contemptible that it would be looked down on and despised by reasonable people.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">\u201cFraud\u201d means that [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of employee\/agent<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">] intentionally misrepresented or concealed a material fact and did so intending to harm [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of plaintiff<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">].<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">[<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Name of plaintiff<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">] must also prove [one of] the following by clear and convincing evidence:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\"><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">1.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\"><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">[That [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of employee\/agent<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">] was an officer, a director, or a managing agent of [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of defendant<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">] who was acting on behalf of [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of defendant<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">]; [or]]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\"><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">2.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\"><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">[That an officer, a director, or a managing agent of [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of defendant<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">] had advance knowledge of the unfitness of [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of employee\/agent<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">] and employed [him\/her\/<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">nonbinary pronoun<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">] with a knowing disregard of the rights or safety of others; [or]]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\"><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">3.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\"><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">[That an officer, a director, or a managing agent of [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of defendant<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">] authorized [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of employee\/agent<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">]\u2019s conduct; [or]]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\"><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">4.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\"><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">[That an officer, a director, or a managing agent of [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of defendant<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">] knew of [<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">name of employee\/agent<\/span><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">]\u2019s wrongful conduct and adopted or approved the conduct after it occurred.]<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\">An employee is a \u201cmanaging agent\u201d if the employee exercises substantial independent authority and judgment in corporate decisionmaking such that the employee\u2019s decisions ultimately determine corporate policy. <br class=\"avia-permanent-lb\" \/><br class=\"avia-permanent-lb\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div class=\"SS_Note\">\n<h2 class=\"SS_HideShowSection SS_Expandable\"><\/h2>\n<div id=\"TRNotes_n_1\">\n<p><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">New September 2003; Revised April 2004, December 2005, May 2020 <br class=\"avia-permanent-lb\" \/><br class=\"avia-permanent-lb\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/crowdsourcelawyers.com\/\">Crowdsource Lawyers<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/crowdsourcelawyers.com\/judicial-council-california-civil-jury-instructions-caci\">https:\/\/crowdsourcelawyers.com\/judicial-council-california-civil-jury-instructions-caci<\/a><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\"><br class=\"avia-permanent-lb\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"SS_Note\">\n<h2 class=\"SS_HideShowSection SS_Expandable\">Directions for Use<\/h2>\n<div id=\"TRNotes_n_2\">\n<p>CACI No.\u20023942,\u00a0<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Punitive Damages<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">\u2014Individual Defendant\u2014<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Bifurcated Trial (Second Phase)<\/span>\u00a0may be used for the second phase of a bifurcated trial.<\/p>\n<p>This instruction is intended for use when the plaintiff is seeking to hold only an employer or principal liable for punitive damages based on the conduct of a specific employee or agent. When the plaintiff is seeking punitive damages from both the employer\/principal and the employee\/agent, use\u00a0CACI No.\u20023948,\u00a0<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Punitive Damages\u2014Individual and Corporate Defendants (Corporate Liability Based on Acts of Named Individual)\u2014Bifurcated Trial (First Phase)<\/span>. When punitive damages are sought against a corporation or other entity for the conduct of its directors, officers, and managing agents, use\u00a0CACI No.\u20023946,\u00a0<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Punitive Damages<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">\u2014Entity Defendant\u2014<\/span><span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Bifurcated Trial (First Phase).<\/span><\/p>\n<p>For an instruction explaining \u201cclear and convincing evidence,\u201d see\u00a0CACI No.\u2002201,\u00a0<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Highly Probable\u2014Clear and Convincing Proof.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>If any of the alternative grounds for seeking punitive damages are inapplicable to the facts of the case, they may be omitted.<\/p>\n<p>In an appropriate case, the jury may be instructed that a false promise or a suggestion of a fact known to be false may constitute a misrepresentation as the word \u201cmisrepresentation\u201d is used in the instruction\u2019s definition of \u201cfraud.\u201d <br class=\"avia-permanent-lb\" \/><br class=\"avia-permanent-lb\" \/><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"SS_Note\">\n<h2 class=\"SS_HideShowSection SS_Expandable\">Sources and Authority<\/h2>\n<div id=\"TRNotes_n_3\">\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">When Punitive Damages Permitted.\u00a0Civil Code section 3294.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">Deferral of Financial Condition Evidence to Second Stage.\u00a0Civil Code section 3295(d).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201c[E]vidence of ratification of [agent\u2019s] actions by [defendant], and any other findings made under\u00a0Civil Code section 3294, subdivision (b), must be made by clear and convincing evidence.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Barton v. Alexander Hamilton Life Ins. Co. of America<\/span>\u00a0(2003) 110 Cal.App.4th 1640, 1644 [3 Cal.Rptr.3d 258].)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201c[Section 3295(d)] affects the order of proof at trial, precluding the admission of evidence of defendants\u2019 financial condition until after the jury has returned a verdict for plaintiffs awarding actual damages and found that one or more defendants were guilty of \u2018oppression, fraud or malice,\u2019 in accordance with\u00a0Civil Code section 3294.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">City of El Monte v. Superior Court<\/span>\u00a0(1994) 29 Cal.App.4th 272, 274\u2013275 [34 Cal.Rptr.2d 490].)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201cEvidence of the defendant\u2019s financial condition is a prerequisite to an award of punitive damages. In order to protect defendants from the premature disclosure of their financial position when punitive damages are sought, the Legislature enacted\u00a0Civil Code section 3295.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">City of El Monte, supra,<\/span>\u00a029 Cal.App.4th at p. 276.)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201c[C]ourts have held it is reversible error to try the punitive damages issue to a new jury after the jury which found liability has been excused.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Rivera v. Sassoon<\/span>\u00a0(1995) 39 Cal.App.4th 1045, 1048 [46 Cal.Rptr.2d 144].)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201cUnder the statute, \u2018malice does not require actual intent to harm. [Citation.] Conscious disregard for the safety of another may be sufficient where the defendant is aware of the probable dangerous consequences of his or her conduct and he or she willfully fails to avoid such consequences. [Citation.] Malice may be proved either expressly through direct evidence or by implication through indirect evidence from which the jury draws inferences. [Citation.]\u2019\u2009\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Pfeifer v. John Crane, Inc.<\/span>\u00a0(2013) 220 Cal.App.4th 1270, 1299 [164 Cal.Rptr.3d 112].)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201cUsed in its ordinary sense, the adjective \u2018despicable\u2019 is a powerful term that refers to circumstances that are \u2018base,\u2019 \u2018vile,\u2019 or \u2018contemptible.\u2019 As amended to include this word, the statute plainly indicates that absent an intent to injure the plaintiff, \u2018malice\u2019 requires more than a \u2018willful and conscious\u2019 disregard of the plaintiffs\u2019 interests. The additional component of \u2018despicable conduct\u2019 must be found.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">College Hospital, Inc. v. Superior Court<\/span>\u00a0(1994) 8 Cal.4th 704, 725 [34 Cal.Rptr.2d 898, 882 P.2d 894], internal citations omitted.)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201cSection 3294 is no longer silent on who may be responsible for imputing punitive damages to a corporate employer. For corporate punitive damages liability, section 3294, subdivision (b), requires that the wrongful act giving rise to the exemplary damages be committed by an \u2018officer, director, or managing agent.\u2019\u2009\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">White v. Ultramar, Inc.<\/span>\u00a0(1999) 21 Cal.4th 563, 572 [88 Cal.Rptr.2d 19, 981 P.2d 944].)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201c[I]n performing, ratifying, or approving the malicious conduct, the agent must be acting as the organization\u2019s representative, not in some other capacity.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">College Hospital, Inc., supra,<\/span>\u00a08 Cal.4th at p. 723.)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201c[T]he concept [of managing agent] assumes that such individual was acting in a corporate or employment capacity when the conduct giving rise to the punitive damages claim against the employer occurred.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">College Hospital, Inc., supra,<\/span>\u00a08 Cal.4th at p. 723.)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201cNo purpose would be served by punishing the employer for an employee\u2019s conduct that is wholly unrelated to its business or to the employee\u2019s duties therein.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">College Hospital, Inc., supra,<\/span>\u00a08 Cal.4th at pp. 723\u2013724.)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201c[T]he determination of whether certain employees are managing agents \u2018\u2009\u201cdoes not necessarily hinge on their \u2018level\u2019 in the corporate hierarchy. Rather, the critical inquiry is the degree of discretion the employees possess in making decisions\u2009\u2026\u2009.\u201d\u2009\u2019\u2009\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Powerhouse Motorsports Group, Inc. v. Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A<\/span>. (2013) 221 Cal.App.4th 867, 886 [164 Cal.Rptr.3d 811].)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201cAlthough it is generally true \u2026 that an employee\u2019s hierarchy in a corporation is not necessarily determinative of his or her status as a managing agent of a corporation, evidence showing an employee\u2019s hierarchy and job duties, responsibilities, and authority may be sufficient, absent conclusive proof to the contrary, to support a reasonable inference by a trier of fact that the employee is a managing agent of a corporation.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Davis v. Kiewit Pacific Co.<\/span>\u00a0(2013) 220 Cal.App.4th 358, 370 [162 Cal.Rptr.3d 805].)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201c[W]e conclude the Legislature intended the term \u2018managing agent\u2019 to include only those corporate employees who exercise substantial independent authority and judgment in their corporate decisionmaking so that their decisions ultimately determine corporate policy. The scope of a corporate employee\u2019s discretion and authority under our test is therefore a question of fact for decision on a case-by-case basis.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">White, supra,<\/span>\u00a021 Cal.4th at pp. 566\u2013567.)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201cIn order to demonstrate that an employee is a true managing agent under section 3294, subdivision (b), a plaintiff seeking punitive damages would have to show that the employee exercised substantial discretionary authority over significant aspects of a corporation\u2019s business.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">White, supra,<\/span>\u00a021 Cal.4th at p. 577.)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201c\u2009\u2018[C]orporate policy\u2019 is the general principles which guide a corporation, or rules intended to be followed consistently over time in corporate operations. A \u2018managing agent\u2019 is one with substantial authority over decisions that set these general principles and rules.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Cruz v. Homebase<\/span>\u00a0(2000) 83 Cal.App.4th 160, 167\u2013168 [99 Cal.Rptr.2d 435].)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201cThe key inquiry thus concerns the employee\u2019s authority to change or establish corporate policy. The fact that an employee has a supervisory position with the power to terminate employees under his or her control does not, by itself, render the employee a managing agent. Nor does the fact that an employee supervises a large number of employees necessarily establish that status.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">CRST, Inc. v. Superior Court<\/span>\u00a0(2017) 11 Cal.App.5th 1255, 1273 [218 Cal.Rptr.3d 664].)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201c\u2009\u2018[R]atification\u2019 is the \u2018[c]onfirmation and acceptance of a previous act.\u2019 A corporation cannot confirm and accept that which it does not actually know about.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Cruz, supra,<\/span>\u00a083 Cal.App.4th at p. 168.)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201cFor purposes of determining an employer\u2019s liability for punitive damages, ratification generally occurs where, under the particular circumstances, the employer demonstrates an intent to adopt or approve oppressive, fraudulent, or malicious behavior by an employee in the performance of his job duties.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">College Hospital, Inc., supra,<\/span>\u00a08 Cal.4th at p. 726.)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"SS_ListLabel\">\u2022<\/span><span class=\"SS_ListItemContent\">\u201cCorporate ratification in the punitive damages context requires actual knowledge of the conduct and its outrageous nature.\u201d (<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">College Hospital, Inc., supra,<\/span>\u00a08 Cal.4th at p. 726.) <br class=\"avia-permanent-lb\" \/><br class=\"avia-permanent-lb\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"SS_Heading\"><span class=\"SS_bf\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_bf\"><span class=\"SS_ib\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_ib\">Secondary Sources<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<div>6 Witkin, Summary of California Law (11th ed. 2017) Torts, \u00a7\u00a7\u20091752\u20131756<\/div>\n<div>California Tort Damages (Cont.Ed.Bar 1988) Punitive Damages, \u00a7\u00a7\u200914.13\u201314.14, 14.23<\/div>\n<div>4 Levy et al.,\u00a0California Torts, Ch. 54,\u00a0<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Punitive Damages<\/span>, \u00a7\u00a7\u200954.07,\u00a054.24[4][d]\u00a0(Matthew Bender)<\/div>\n<div>15\u00a0California Forms of Pleading and Practice, Ch. 177,\u00a0<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Damages<\/span>, \u00a7\u2009177.51 (Matthew Bender)<\/div>\n<div>6\u00a0California Points and Authorities, Ch. 64,\u00a0<span class=\"SS_it\" data-housestyle=\"EMPHASIS_it\">Damages: Tort<\/span>, \u00a7\u200964.24 et seq.\u00a0(Matthew Bender)<\/div>\n<div class=\"SS_Note\">\n<div id=\"TRNotes_n_3\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n<div  class='hr av-av_hr-91d7ccd583a503147498e120fee2ff9b hr-default  avia-builder-el-6  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_textblock '><span class='hr-inner '><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-27rux-477149c4b35ed00ce9a23491fe8f1761\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-27rux-477149c4b35ed00ce9a23491fe8f1761 .avia_textblock{\nfont-size:22px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-27rux-477149c4b35ed00ce9a23491fe8f1761 '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><a href=\"https:\/\/crowdsourcelawyers.com\/\">CrowdSourceLawyers.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1929","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - 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