Nominal damages are awarded when:
Explanation
Nominal damages are a token sum recognising that a right was invaded where no substantial loss was proved; Civil Code §3360 provides for them expressly. They are not pointless: a nominal award still establishes the breach, which can carry a costs or attorney's-fee entitlement with it. (c) describes compensatory damages, the ordinary measure under Civil Code §3300. (d) describes punitive damages under §3294, which punish rather than recognise and are unavailable on a contract claim. (a) describes liquidated damages under §1671 — a figure the parties agreed to in advance, which displaces the need to prove loss at all.
Law Reference: Civil Code §3360; cf. §3300, §3294, §1671This topic, taught in full in the CSLB Law & Business guide. CSLB Law & Business — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $24.99 · 14-day refund →
Practice all 1632 questions free — no signup required.
Own the complete CSLB Law & Business guide — PDF + EPUB, $24.99 →
Related questions on this topic
- Fraud in the inducement of a contract generally requires proof that a party:
- The remedy of 'restitution' in contract law is designed to:
- Consequential (special) damages in a breach case are damages that:
- A 'waiver' in the context of a contract generally refers to:
- A 'no oral modification' clause states that the contract may be changed only by a signed writing. Its practical purpose is to:
- 'Accord and satisfaction' discharges a disputed obligation when:
Last reviewed: · editorial process