Treble damages is a tripling of actual damages allowed by certain state statutes, which vary by state. Treble damages apply in certain types of cases, such as not making good on a bad check or skipping out on rent. Federal antitrust violations also provide for treble damage penalties. Treble damages are intended as a harsher punishment designed to deter certain types of willful or malicious behavior. Treble damages are intended to punish the guilty party and discourage others from similar behavior.
