11.71 DAMAGES: NOMINAL (42 U.S.C. CIV. 1981) refers to a type of damage award available in civil rights cases. This type of damages is meant to acknowledge a violation of civil rights, without awarding a large amount of money. Nominal damages are awarded for the purpose of recognizing a violation and deterring future violations. The amount of nominal damages is typically a small amount, such as one dollar, and is often included in a larger damage award. 42 U.S.C. Civil Rights Act of 1871 (42 U.S.C. CIV. 1981) allows for the award of nominal damages in civil rights cases.