Summary
declining to apply punitive damage liability against public entity under the Consumer Fraud Act (CFA), based upon the policy underpinnings of the CFA
Summary of this case from J.H. v. Mercer County YouthOpinion
A-143/144 September Term 1999
Argued January 3, 2001
Decided April 30, 2001
On appeal from and certification to the Superior Court, Appellate Division, whose opinion is reported at 328 N.J. Super. 561 (App.Div. 2000).
CHIEF JUSTICE PORITZ and JUSTICES STEIN, COLEMAN, LONG, VERNIERO, LaVECCHIA, and ZAZZALI join in this PER CURIAM opinion.
John F. Darcy argued the cause for appellants and cross-respondents (McElroy Deutsch Mulvaney, attorneys. Mr. Darcy and Kevin P. Harkins on the briefs).
Terrence J. Corriston argued the cause for respondent and cross-appellant (Breslin Breslin, attorneys).
Thomas J. Perry argued the cause for respondents Residential Warranty Corporation and Merchants and Business Mens Insurance Company (Riker, Danzig, Scherer, Hyland Perretti, attorneys).
Frank M. Coscia argued the cause for respondents North American Housing Corporation and T.R. Arnold Associates (Gallo Geffner Fenster, attorneys).
John G. Tinker, Jr., argued the cause for respondent Meridian Construction Co., Inc. (Leary, Bride, Tinker Moran, attorneys).
The judgment is affirmed, substantially for the reasons expressed in Judge Wefing's opinion of the Appellate Division, reported at 328 N.J. Super. 561 (App.Div. 2000).
For reversal and remandment — Chief Justice PORITZ and Justices STEIN, COLEMAN, LONG, VERNIERO, LaVECCHIA and ZAZZALI — 7.
Opposed — none.