Schaerr Jaffe LLP Succeeds in Challenging $1 Million Punitive Damage Award for Client Mark Steyn

On March 4, 2025, the firm achieved a significant victory for author and commentator Mark Steyn.  A year ago, a jury in the District of Columbia returned a verdict finding that Mr. Steyn had defamed climate scientist Michael Mann in a blog post.  The jury awarded just $1 in nominal damages but also awarded $1 million in punitive damages.

After the trial, the firm argued that the $1 million punitive award was grossly excessive and unconstitutional and should be reduced to no more than $5,000.  In an order issued today, the Superior Court of the District of Columbia agreed with the firm’s argument, held that the $1 million award violated the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment, and reduced the award to $5,000.

Mr. Steyn is represented by firm partner H. Christopher Bartolomucci and associate Justin A. Miller.  Senior paralegal Kristina L. Robinson provided valuable assistance during the trial and post-trial proceedings.