Nominal damages
A token sum of damages, awarded when the court or tribunal is of the opinion that the plaintiff has not suffered any substantial loss although a legal right has been infringed. Nominal damages are often as little as $1 or $2. Nominal damages are symbolic, and although practically insignificant, serve as a legal acknowledgement of wrongdoing.
Nominal damages may be sought or awarded in cases where the plaintiff is seeking:
- Vindication/recognition
- Furtherance of a social, political or moral cause
- To establish a precedent