Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

What type of damages require minimal compensation?

1. Punitive damages

2. Compensatory damages

3. Nominal damages

4. Treble damages

The correct answer is: Nominal damages

Nominal damages are designed to acknowledge a legal wrong that has occurred, even when the plaintiff has not suffered any significant actual harm or loss that requires substantial financial compensation. They serve to recognize the violation of rights and affirm the principle that the law has been breached, thus providing a minimal monetary award – often a token amount. This type of damage underscores that even minor infringements deserve legal recognition, preserving the integrity of the law and ensuring justice is acknowledged, regardless of the severity of the impact. This distinguishes nominal damages from the other types listed, as punitive damages are meant to punish wrongdoers, compensatory damages aim to reimburse actual losses, and treble damages involve triples of the actual damages as a penalty in certain cases.