Legal Definitions - nominal damages

Definition: Nominal damages are a small amount of money awarded to a plaintiff who has technically had their legal rights violated, but has not suffered any actual harm or loss. These damages are awarded to recognize the plaintiff's victory in court, rather than to compensate them for any injury or loss.

For example, if someone sues another person for trespassing on their property, but the plaintiff cannot prove that they suffered any actual harm or loss as a result of the trespass, the court may award them nominal damages as a symbolic victory. In most cases, the amount awarded for nominal damages is just one dollar, but in some cases, it may be more.

One example of a case where the court awarded more than one dollar in nominal damages is Fisher v. Barker. In this case, the plaintiff was awarded $100 in nominal damages. This was because the court found that the plaintiff's legal rights had been violated, even though they had not suffered any actual harm or loss.

Overall, nominal damages are a way for the court to recognize a plaintiff's legal victory, even if they have not suffered any actual harm or loss as a result of the defendant's actions.