Restitution
Restitution: Restoring to a person what was lost, or requiring someone to give up a benefit obtained at another's expense. In civil law, a person who is unjustly enriched at the expense of another is subject to liability in restitution (Restatement (Third) of Restitution and Unjust Enrichment § 1). In criminal cases, federal law requires courts to order restitution to victims of certain offenses (18 U.S.C. § 3663A).
What restitution means
In practice, you will see restitution in pleadings, motions, orders and court rules. The definition above explains the general meaning. Even so, the meaning can shift with context. Therefore, always read it alongside the rule or document where it appears.
Where restitution comes up
The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.
How to research the term
Start with the primary source. For example, if restitution appears in a federal rule, read the rule itself and its official notes. After that, check your court’s local rules and any standing orders from the judge. In addition, search recent decisions from your own state or federal district. They show how courts read restitution in practice. Because state rules often differ, our state procedures guide links to each state’s official rules. Above all, make sure the version you read is still in force.
You can read the current federal court rules online for free.
Related legal terms
- Rescission: undoing a contract and restoring the parties to their positions before it was made.
- Resident: a person who lives in a place.
- Resolution: a formal written decision or statement adopted by a vote of a legislature, board or other body. A joint resolution of Congress is used, for example, to propose constitutional amendments. The word also means the settlement or final outcome of a dispute.
- Respondent: the party who answers a petition or appeal. In the U.S. Supreme Court, the party opposing review is the respondent.
Why precise terms matter
Courts read legal terms closely. As a result, knowing the exact meaning of a word helps you follow orders, rules and filings. Each glossary entry on Lawtopolis is short on purpose and links to the pages where the term is used.
Sources
Sources last reviewed: 2026-10-24
Lawtopolis provides legal information and education, not legal advice. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and court rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time; verify every authority against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your situation.