relief

In law, relief refers to the redress or assistance that a party seeks from a court. Relief is essentially synonymous with remedy, but is sometimes meant to convey a broader concept.

• A remedy typically addresses clear, tangible injuries or losses.
  • This can include monetary damages, specific performance, or injunctions.
• In contrast, relief encompasses not only remedies for tangible injuries but also situations where there might not be an obvious, quantifiable harm.
  • In such cases, a party may seek relief to protect or enforce their legal rights even in the absence of a direct injury.
    • For example, relief can be sought through a declaratory judgment, where a court is asked to determine the legal rights or status of parties without ordering any specific action or awarding damages.
  • This type of relief helps clarify legal obligations and prevent future disputes.

[Last updated in June of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team]