What role does the judge have after compensatory damages are awarded in relation to punitive damages?

In scenarios involving punitive damages, the judge plays a pivotal role in determining the appropriateness of these damages after compensatory damages have been established. Specifically, once a jury awards compensatory damages, it is the judge's responsibility to assess whether the circumstances warrant consideration of punitive damages. If the judge finds that there is a legitimate basis for punitive damages based on the evidence presented, the case may be sent back to the jury to determine the specific amount of punitive damages to be awarded. This process underscores the importance of the judge's role in ensuring that punitive damages are not awarded arbitrarily and that there is a sufficient legal basis for them, thereby maintaining a balance between the rights of the parties involved.

Other options do not accurately reflect the procedural role a judge takes following the awarding of compensatory damages. The judge does not directly determine the amount of punitive damages or simply approve the jury's decision—instead, they assess whether a jury should be involved in determining these additional damages.