What is the maximum monetary punishment for defamation?

In Illinois, the maximum monetary punishment for defamation is established by law and is set at $10,000. This reflects an effort to create a standard penalty that addresses the serious nature of defamation while balancing the need for protection against false statements that can harm an individual's reputation. The law considers this amount as a reasonable deterrent against making unfounded claims that could damage someone's character or standing in the community. The figures associated with the other choices do not align with the established legal limit, further reinforcing that $10,000 is the correct figure recognized within Illinois legal standards.