Relating to a name. 2. A nominal plaintiff is one in whose name an action is brought, for the use of another. In this case, the nominal plaintiff has no control over the action, nor is he responsible for costs. 1 Dall. 1 39; 2 Watts, R. 12. 3. A nominal partner is one, who, without having an actual interest in the profits of a concern, allows his name to be used, or agrees that it shall be continued therein, as a partner; such nominal partner is clearly liable to the creditors of the firm, as a general partner, although the creditors were ignorant at the time of dealing, that his name was used.
Law Dictionary – Alternative Legal Definition
Titular; existing in name only; not real or substantial; connected with the transaction or proceeding in name only, not in interest Nominal consideration. See CONSIDERATION. Nominal damages. See DAMAGES. Nominal defendant. A person who is joined as defendant in an action, not because he is immediately liable in damages or because any specific relief is demanded as against him, but because his connection with the subject matter is such that the plaintiff’s action would be defective, under the technical rules of practice, if he were not joined. Nominal partner. A .person who appears to be a partner in a firm, or is so represented to persons dealing with the firm, or who allows his name to appear in the style of the firm or to be used in its business, in the character of a partner, but who has no actual interest in the firm or business. Story, Partn. f 80. Nominal plaintiff. One who has no interest in the subject matter of the action, having assigned the same to another, (the real plaintiff in interest, or “use plaintiff,”) but who must be joined as plaintiff, because, under technical rules of practice, the suit cannot be brought directly in the name of the assignee.