<P> The Court , in an opinion by Justice Stevens , found that the excessively high punitive damages in this case violate the Due Process clause . For punitive damages to stand , the damages must be reasonably necessary to vindicate the State 's legitimate interest in punishment and deterrence . Punitive damages may not be `` grossly excessive '' - if they are , then they violate substantive due process . </P>
according to the bmw of north america v. gore case excessive punitive damages violate what
the Due Process clause