[jhauris]

I almost choked when I saw the headline with that judgement, and I haven't looked into it, but I suspect part of the reason it went so high is because he and his lawyers got caught withholding evidence in discovery and perjurying themselves.

My optimistic belief is the high judgement was due to those extra factors, but maybe a lawyer can correct me.

[ncmncm]

You charge enough to discourage the behavior. Evidently, a smaller amount did not suffice.

[CodeSgt]

Yes. Don't say things that the public disagrees with. Don't question what you're told. That's the lesson.

Of course I think the Sandy Hook shooting was real, but if someone said it wasn't I'd just think they're an idiot - not a criminal that should be tried in any court.

[jhauris]

He wasn't tried as a criminal. This was a civil case between private individuals, under defamation laws. Withholding evidence and perjury, however, are actual crimes.