The following excerpt is from Willis v. Buffalo Pumps Inc., Case No.: 12cv744 BTM (DHB) (S.D. Cal. 2014):
convincing evidence that the defendant has been guilty of oppression, fraud, or malice." Cal. Civ. Code 3294(a); see also Basich v. Allstate Ins. Co., 87 Cal.App.4th 1112, 1121 (2001) ("[O]n a motion for summary adjudication with respect to a punitive damages claim, the higher evidentiary standard applies. If the plaintiff is going to prevail on a punitive damages claim, he or she can only do so by establishing malice, oppression or fraud by clear and convincing evidence.").
The above passage should not be considered legal advice. Reliable answers to complex legal questions require comprehensive research memos. To learn more visit www.alexi.com.