The U.S. Supreme Court now rules the damage amount is not excessive. According to a published report, the 1998 jury found Time Warner and its affiliates under-invested in the park to lower its value. Time Warner could then buy the park at a discounted price.

The jury decided Time Warner and its affiliates should pay $197 million in compensatory damages and $257 million in punitive damages. Time Warner Entertainment Co. officials couldn't be reached at GlobeSt.com's publication deadline. Time Warner and its partners sold the Six Flags chain in 1998. The Georgia park opened in May 1967.

Texas oilman Angus Wynne Jr. opened the first Six Flags park in 1961. According to the park's Web site, the attraction pioneered one-price tickets, Broadway-style live productions and world-class rides, such as the Mind Bender, the first triple looping roller coaster.