Answer
Nominal damages are awarded to vindicate or recognize a right of the plaintiff that has been violated, not to indemnify any loss suffered (Civil Code Article 2221). Their purpose is recognition of the right rather than compensation.
They presuppose a violated right but no proven measurable loss, and are not awarded together with actual damages for the same act. No proof of pecuniary loss is required (Article 2216); the amount rests in the court's discretion.
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