Gov. Code 818 immunizes governmental agencies from liability for damages imposed primarily for the sake of example and by way of punishing the defendant. This decision holds that section 818 bars a claim for treble damages under CCP 340.1(b) for a childhood sexual assault resulting from the defendant’s concerted effort to hide evidence relating to such assaults. Section 340.1 imposes damages well in excess of those needed for full compensation and also requires a finding of morally reprehensible behavior before those excess damages may be awarded, showing that the statute provides for punishment within the meaning of section 818.