Glossary
Nominal damages
A tiny symbolic award (often $1) given when a plaintiff proves the defendant violated their rights but didn't suffer actual measurable harm. Nominal damages still count as a "win": they establish liability.
Nominal damages matter because, in many legal contexts, simply being the prevailing party: even for $1: triggers other consequences. The plaintiff might be entitled to attorney's fees under fee-shifting statutes, get an injunction, or have established a precedent that binds the defendant going forward.
Civil rights cases are a common context. Even when a constitutional violation didn't cause measurable harm, courts can award nominal damages to recognize that the violation happened.