The U.S. Chamber of Commerce says the courts need to establish clear standards for punitive damage awards, and that they must rein in abusive awards by juries.

FORBES: The $2.5 Billion Question

Punitive damage awards now require a unanimous jury verdict.

FORBES: Fact and Comment

BP, Transocean and Halliburton made similar requests Wednesday for Barbier to dismiss gross negligence and punitive damage claims against them, but the judge said he wasn't ready to rule on them at this stage of trial.

NPR: Claims Against BP Contractors Dismissed At Trial

Despite the credit rating, investors fear that punitive-damage awards could cripple the industry, or even wipe it out.

ECONOMIST: Bond markets