Restitution

Definition

A court-ordered payment by a criminal defendant to compensate victims for losses caused by the defendant's crime. It differs from a fine (which is paid to the government) and from civil damages (which are awarded in a separate lawsuit). Under the MVRA, it is mandatory and covers the full amount of victim losses.

Examples

• •The central dispute is whether MVRA restitution is criminal punishment subject to the Ex Post Facto Clause or a civil compensatory remedy that can be applied retroactively

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