It isn't punishment in civil court, it is damages- to make the person "whole" who was injured. Obviously a tough proposition when someone is dead, but the courts do it all the time in civil cases (trying to compensate the familiy of the dead person)- even those not stemming from alleged criminal actions. Since the burden of proof is much different, and the purpose is different, I don't see the problem. If you allow weird things like the felony murder rule on the criminal side, you might as well allow law suits aimed at trying to give restitution to those poor victims, or their relatives,( the ones you have so much compassion for) on the civil side. Double jeopardy applies to the state prosecuting you, after all. It has nothing to do with civil cases.
Just in case you didn't believe me without a citation:
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases
arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation. |
