When a plaintiff in a lawsuit is awarded a small compensation to show he/she was right the no actual damage was done, he or she receives nominal damages.
(law) a trivial sum (usually $1.00) awarded as recognition that a legal injury was sustained (as for technical violations of a contract)
A situation where the court awards a small amount of money to a plaintiff because they were wronged but there is no injury that merits compensation, an example is where someone may of be bruised but the bruise was just painful and in no way debilitating or having any medical expenses associated with it.
Damages (q.v.) of a small amount ordered where a right has been affected but no damage done.
Monetary damages of a token amount awarded for a wrongful act where no loss occurred. ( See compensatory damages , exemplary damages)
A small or trifling sum awarded to a plaintiff when a tort or breach of contract has been shown, but no actual damage or loss has been proven.
A small sum of money awarded by a court.