惩罚性赔偿是指在不法侵害行为发生后,对于所造成的损害进行惩罚性赔偿,并不限于损害的范围,以预防类似的行为重复发生。它的功能在于惩罚,遏制,弥补,在补偿受害者所受损害的基础上,弥补其无法估量的精神损失,在英美法系亦有代替精神损害赔偿的功能。惩罚性赔偿的金额高于所造成的损失,能够起到一定的威慑作用,对促进社会安定,维护社会秩序有着特殊的作用。 Punitive damages refer to punitive damages for damage caused after unlawful infringement, not limited to the scope of damage, so as to prevent recurrence of similar acts. Its function is to punish, deter and make up, make up for its incalculable spiritual loss on the basis of compensating the victims’ damages, and replace the moral damage compensation function in common law system. The amount of punitive damages is higher than the loss caused, which can play a deterrent role and play a special role in promoting social stability and maintaining social order.