Explanatory Notes

Crime and Courts Act 2013

2013 CHAPTER 22

25 April 2013

Commentary on Sections

Part 2: Courts and Justice

Section 39: Awards of aggravated damages

478.Section 39 makes clear that “aggravated damages” are distinct from exemplary damages. Aggravated damages relate to mental distress caused by the defendant’s wrongdoing which goes over and above the level of mental distress that the basic award of compensation addresses. However, they are essentially still compensatory not punitive, unlike exemplary damages. Section 39 puts this question beyond doubt in relation to the type of cases to which section 34 applies.