Parker

MEMORANDUM OF OPINION AND ORDER

This case was tried to a jury on November 25, 26 and 28, and December 1 and 3, 1975. The jury returned a verdict in favor of plaintiff, assessing damages against defendants Edwin and Marsha Shonfeld in the amount of $20,000. The verdict specified that $10,000 was awarded as compensatory damages and $10,000 as punitive and exemplary damages, the .latter sum to be assessed against each of. the Shonfelds in the amount of $5,000. On December 8, 1975, defendants moved for a new trial on the grounds that both the compensatory and punitive damages awarded by the jury were excessive. Plaintiff, in turn, moved for award of attorney’s fees and court costs. Judgment was entered by the Court on December 16, 1975, pursuant to the jury verdict, but by stipulation of counsel and order of the Court, execution of the judgment was stayed pending the Court’s ruling on these motions. These motions have been thoroughly briefed by the parties; in addition, the Court has had the benefit of a brief filed by the United States as amicus curiae, in support of plaintiff’s motion and in opposition to defendants’ motion.

The complaint in this lawsuit alleged that defendants…