nominal damages
Noun
Meaning
(law) a trivial sum (usually $1.00) awarded as recognition that a legal injury was sustained (as for technical violations of a contract)
Source: WordNetHypernyms
Examples
Whistler wins a farthing in nominal damages and only half of the costs, leading to his bankruptcy, and alienates patrons.
As the Courts engage in active case management, such cases would probably now be expected to be settled by mediation and payment of nominal damages.
When damages are not a necessary element, a plaintiff can win his case without showing that he suffered any loss; he would be entitled to nominal damages and any other damages according to proof.