What is the term for a court-ordered payment to a victim to repair the financial, emotional, or physical damage caused by an offender?

What is the term for a court-ordered payment to a victim to repair the financial, emotional, or physical damage caused by an offender?

• A. Restitution
• B. Compensation
• C. Reparation
• D. Damages

Answer: (A)

Restitution is the term for a court-ordered payment by an offender to a victim to repair the financial losses caused by the crime. It direct­ly links the offender to the harm by reimbursing the victim for out-of-pocket costs such as medical bills, property repairs, and lost wages, and it may cover related expenses like counseling in some cases. This is distinct from fines, which go to the state, and from compensation programs that are funded by the government and not tied to the offender’s sentence. It also differs from damages, which are typically sought in civil lawsuits. The concept fits best because it focuses on the court-ordered, victim-directed payment intended to repair the harm caused by the offense.

Restitution is the term for a court-ordered payment by an offender to a victim to repair the financial losses caused by the crime. It direct­ly links the offender to the harm by reimbursing the victim for out-of-pocket costs such as medical bills, property repairs, and lost wages, and it may cover related expenses like counseling in some cases. This is distinct from fines, which go to the state, and from compensation programs that are funded by the government and not tied to the offender’s sentence. It also differs from damages, which are typically sought in civil lawsuits. The concept fits best because it focuses on the court-ordered, victim-directed payment intended to repair the harm caused by the offense.