What are contemptuous damages in law?

Contemptuous damages are a type of monetary award granted by a court in cases where a plaintiff is entitled to a legal remedy but the court believes the claim lacks merit or is trivial. These damages serve to acknowledge the plaintiff's right to a legal claim while expressing the court's disapproval of the claim's validity or seriousness. Typically, the amount awarded is minimal, reflecting the court's disdain for the underlying action rather than compensating for any real loss.