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August 30, 2008 3:33:51 AM CDT

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Exxon Asks Court to Toss $2.5B Payout

Posted Feb 27, 08 8:52 CST in Business,  US 

(Newser) – Nearly 20 years after the Exxon Valdez spilled 11 million gallons of crude oil in Prince William Sound, the company asked the Supreme Court to reject a ruling that it pay $2.5 billion in punitive damages. Judges appeared split in today's arguments, USA Today reports, making a tie possible because Samuel Alito has recused himself. If that happens, the punitive damages stand. The court also could reduce the amount.

Exxon argues it's already paid enough—$3.4 billion in cleanup costs—and that punitive damages don't apply to maritime law. The attorney for Alaskans told justices that  the company must be held accountable for recklessness. "We're talking about punishment and deterrence," said Jeffrey Fisher.

Sources USA Today, Baltimore Sun

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Artist rendering showing Stanford University law professor Jeffrey Fisher, right, speaking before the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008, in the Exxon Valdez case. (AP Photo/Dana Verkouteren)   (Associated Press)
Plaintiff attorney Jeff Fisher speaks with the media outside the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008, after addressing the court in the Exxon Valdez case. The justices will consider...   (Associated Press)
This March 26, 1989, file photo, shows the Exxon Baton Rouge attempting to off load crude oil from the Exxon Valdez in the Prince William Sound near Valdez, Alaska. (AP Photo/Rob Stapleton, File)   (Associated Press)
A float plane waits to taxi from an oil-covered beach in Prince William Sound, an inlet off the Gulf of Alaska in this April 1, 1989, file photo. (AP Photo/Jack Smith, File)   (Associated Press)
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US Supreme Court  • Alaska  • John Roberts  • ExxonMobil  • oil spill  • class action  • shipping  • Ruth Bader Ginsburg  • Anthony Kennedy  • Exxon Valdez  • Samuel A. Alito


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