What does it mean to be a nominal defendant in a lawsuit?

Full question:

My sister lives in Merced County California. She has sued a nursing home on behalf of my deceased mother. She names me in the filing as a nominal defendant. What is this?

Answer:

A nominal defendant is someone included in a lawsuit not because they are liable for damages or because the plaintiff seeks specific relief from them. Instead, their involvement is necessary due to their connection to the case. If they weren't included, the lawsuit could be considered incomplete under legal rules.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

In legal terms, 'nominal' refers to something that exists in name only, without any substantial value or effect. For example, a nominal defendant is included in a lawsuit not because they are liable but to fulfill legal requirements. Their role is often to ensure the case can proceed properly, even if no claims are made against them.

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