Judge Rules Out Punitive Damages in Smartmatic Defamation Case Against Newsmax

The Delaware court decision limits potential financial recovery for Smartmatic in the upcoming trial over 2020 election defamation claims.

Superior Court Judge Eric Davis ruled that Smartmatic cannot seek punitive damages from Newsmax in the defamation lawsuit.
The ruling is based on Florida law, which requires proof of both actual malice and express malice for punitive damages.
Smartmatic alleges that Newsmax aired false claims that its voting machines were used to rig the 2020 election results.
Newsmax argues it was reporting on newsworthy allegations made by Trump allies and claims protection under Florida's neutral reporting privilege.
The trial will proceed with the jury determining if Newsmax acted with actual malice, but punitive damages will not be considered.