What is one potential consequence for a defendant found liable for an intentional tort?

When a defendant is found liable for an intentional tort, one significant potential consequence is the requirement to pay punitive damages. Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant for particularly egregious or harmful behavior and to deter similar conduct in the future. Unlike compensatory damages that aim to reimburse the victim for their actual losses, punitive damages serve a different purpose, addressing the nature of the defendant's actions.

The rationale behind awarding punitive damages is to highlight the severity of the misconduct, especially in cases where the tort was committed with malice, recklessness, or deceit. This serves both to penalize the wrongdoer and to send a message to society about the consequences of such intentional wrongdoing, thus promoting accountability and discouraging future tortious behavior.

In this context, the other options do not accurately represent the consequences associated with a finding of liability for an intentional tort. For instance, while criminal prosecution can occur in certain cases, it is not a guaranteed consequence of a civil finding of liability. Additionally, liability for intentional torts typically extends beyond direct damages, encompassing potential for various types of harm, including pain and suffering. Lastly, the right to appeal is subject to certain legal standards and restrictions, meaning it cannot be claimed without limitations.