Sanction
In federal court practice, a sanction is a penalty a court imposes on a party or attorney for violating a rule or court order, or for filing frivolous or improper filings. Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11 authorizes sanctions — which may include monetary penalties — against attorneys or parties who certify pleadings, motions, or other papers that are filed for an improper purpose, lack evidentiary support, or make frivolous legal arguments. Courts may also sanction misconduct under other rules and their inherent powers.
In federal court practice, a sanction is a penalty a court imposes on a party or attorney for violating a rule or court order, or for filing frivolous or improper filings. Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11 authorizes sanctions — which may include monetary penalties — against attorneys or parties who certify pleadings, motions, or other papers that are filed for an improper purpose, lack evidentiary support, or make frivolous legal arguments. Courts may also sanction misconduct under other rules and their inherent powers.
Example: In Cooter & Gell v. Hartmarx Corp. (1990), the Supreme Court held that a district court retains jurisdiction to impose Rule 11 sanctions even after the underlying case is voluntarily dismissed.
Common misconception: Sanctions are not the same as losing the case. A party can be sanctioned for how it litigated — for example, a frivolous filing — regardless of who wins on the merits.
Sources: Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11, Cornell LII — https://www.law.cornell.edu/rules/frcp/rule_11 (non-.gov compilation of the federal rule)