What is restitution in legal terms?

Restitution in legal terms specifically refers to the payment ordered by the court for damages caused to a victim. This legal concept is designed to ensure that victims receive compensation for losses resulting from criminal behavior, thereby promoting justice and accountability on the part of the offender. Restitution serves as a tool for the victim to recover financial losses that may not be covered through other means, such as insurance.

The court assesses the damages incurred by the victim and determines the amount that the offender must pay, with the goal of making the victim whole again. This not only helps the victim recover but also reinforces the idea that offenders should take responsibility for their actions and contribute towards addressing the harm they have caused.

The other options represent different legal concepts: community service is a method of punishment where the offender performs work for the community; penalties for minor offenses do not necessarily involve compensating victims; and incarceration refers to imprisonment as a form of punishment, which does not address the specific needs of the victim in terms of financial restitution.