Nominal Damages

/ˈnɒmɪnəl ˈdæmɪdʒɪz/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A small sum of money awarded by the court when a legal wrong is proven but no substantial harm resulted.
    The plaintiff was awarded nominal damages despite the absence of actual financial loss.

Forms

  • nominal damage

Commentary

Nominal damages emphasize recognition of a legal right violation without requiring proof of quantifiable loss.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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Amicus Docs | Nominal Damages Definition