What is the term for the act of making good or compensating for a wrong in the justice system?

The term that specifically refers to the act of making good or compensating for a wrong in the context of the justice system is restitution. Restitution involves returning something to its rightful owner or compensating for loss or injury caused by wrongful actions. It is typically mandated by a court to ensure that a victim is restored to the position they were in before the harmful event occurred, as closely as possible.

In legal contexts, restitution goes beyond mere acknowledgment of a wrong; it is often a formal requirement for offenders who are ordered to pay victims for damages or losses incurred. This ensures accountability and contributes to the concept of restorative justice, where the focus is on repairing the harm done to individuals and the community.

Reparations, on the other hand, usually refer to broader compensation provided to groups who have suffered injustices, such as in cases of historical or systemic oppression. While amends and compensation can also imply some form of repayment or repair, they lack the specific legal connotation that restitution carries within the justice system. Therefore, restitution is the most accurate term to describe this specific act of making good for a wrong.