NOMINAL DAMAGES Meaning and
Definition
-
Nominal damages refer to a minimal amount of money awarded by a court as a symbolic recognition of a legal violation, even if no actual harm or financial loss has been suffered by the plaintiff. The term "nominal" originates from the Latin word "nomen," which means "name." Thus, such damages signify the mere recognition of a legal right rather than any substantial compensation for injury or loss.
Nominal damages are typically awarded in cases where there has been a technical violation of a legal right, but the plaintiff has not suffered any measurable damages or financial harm. The primary purpose of these damages is to vindicate the plaintiff's legal rights and provide symbolic compensation for the violation. Although the awarded amount is generally small, it helps to establish accountability and deter future similar misconduct.
In certain legal systems, nominal damages may also serve as a prerequisite for seeking other forms of relief or financial compensation, which may require proof of an injury or loss. For example, in defamation cases, the plaintiff may first have to establish that their reputation has been harmed, even if the actual financial damages they suffered are minimal or nonexistent.
Overall, nominal damages serve as a legal remedy to recognize and address legal violations, providing a means for plaintiffs to seek recognition and redress for infringed rights, even in the absence of substantial harm or financial loss.
Common Misspellings for NOMINAL DAMAGES
- bominal damages
- mominal damages
- jominal damages
- hominal damages
- niminal damages
- nkminal damages
- nlminal damages
- npminal damages
- n0minal damages
- n9minal damages
- noninal damages
- nokinal damages
- nojinal damages
- nomunal damages
- nomjnal damages
- nomknal damages
- nomonal damages
- nom9nal damages
- nom8nal damages
Etymology of NOMINAL DAMAGES
The term "nominal damages" comes from the combination of two words: "nominal" and "damages".
The word "nominal" originates from the Latin word "nomen", meaning "name" or "designation". In English, "nominal" is used to describe something that exists in name only or something that is minimal or trifling in comparison to its actual value or importance.
The word "damages" is derived from the Old French word "damage", meaning "loss" or "injury". It ultimately traces back to the Latin word "damnum", which also refers to "loss" or "harm".
When combined, "nominal damages" refers to the minimal or insignificant amount of compensation awarded to a plaintiff in a lawsuit when no actual damages or injuries have been suffered. It represents a symbolic victory rather than a substantial financial award.
Similar spelling words for NOMINAL DAMAGES
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
