In legal terms, what do 'damages' refer to?

In legal terminology, 'damages' specifically refer to monetary compensation that a party is awarded in a lawsuit as a result of harm or injury suffered due to another party's actions or negligence. This concept is rooted in the idea that a victim should be made "whole" to the extent possible through financial restitution. Damages can cover various losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage, thereby serving as a crucial mechanism for achieving justice in civil disputes.

The other options, while related to legal processes, do not accurately define 'damages.' Non-financial punishments refer instead to various forms of sanctions or penalties, and legal fees pertain to the costs associated with litigation, not the compensation awarded for harm. Bonds required for a trial involve financial guarantees required in certain legal contexts but are not related to the assessment of harm or injury. Thus, the distinction between these concepts is essential for understanding the role of damages in legal proceedings.