What does restitution refer to in legal context?

Restitution in a legal context pertains to an equitable remedy aimed at restoring an individual to their original position prior to a wrongful act or the loss sustained. This concept arises from the principle that one should not unjustly benefit at the expense of another.

When a party has suffered a loss due to the actions of another, restitution seeks to restore them, often through the return of property or the payment of the value of what was lost. This contrasts with punitive measures or financial penalties, which are designed to punish or deter future wrongdoing rather than to rectify a specific wrong. Restitution focuses on making the harmed party whole, ensuring that they are compensated for their loss and that the party responsible for the harm does not retain any unjust gains from their actions.

Thus, choice B accurately encapsulates the nature of restitution as it specifically addresses the objective of restoring the original position rather than imposing penalties or changes to the relationship between the parties involved.