[ryanswapp]

It definitely could be the case that the jurors came up with the numbers they did in order to put Gawker out of business. However, a jury can't just make a random number up. The awarded amount has to be supported by evidence or an appeals court will strike it down as unconstitutional.

I've been involved in a number of trials and my experience leads me to believe that a lot of what is behind a damages award has to do with the show put on by the plaintiffs attorney. If the plaintiffs attorney can anchor high and get experts to support the damages they are asking for anything can happen. This is perhaps one of the main downsides/upsides to a trial by jury. Depending on which side you are on this is a good or very bad thing.