The Concept of Compensation in Civil Law

Author information:

Inna Spasybo-Fateyeva
Dr. Sc. (Law), professor, Head of the Department of Civil Law, Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University, Kharkiv, Ukraine
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9852-1706

Published: 15.04.2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.69724/2786-8834-2026-9-2-5-16

Keywords: compensation, payment, reimbursement, damages, civil liability

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Обкладинка. 9-й випуск

Abstract

The relevance of this study stems from the insufficient theoretical development of the concept of compensation in civil law. This article examines the concept of compensation, which has different meanings – both as a form of civil liability and as a payment. In turn, as a form of civil liability, compensation is sometimes equated with the recovery of damages, and at other times constitutes a separate form of liability. The latter occurs in cases of infringement of intellectual property rights, particularly copyright and related rights. It is demonstrated that the recovery of compensation embodies the compensatory function of civil law, as compensation is aimed at restoring the financial position of a person who has suffered or may suffer adverse changes. It has been demonstrated that compensation may also take the form of a payment which does not constitute liability, but serves as a substitute for the method of performing a civil-law obligation. Compensation as a payment also manifests itself in cases of additional payment or as an alternative in the allocation and division of joint property where such property includes indivisible items. Particular attention is paid to the problems of determining the amount of compensation and legislative inconsistencies in the use of relevant terminology. Furthermore, the practical significance of the study lies in the need to improve legislative regulation, in particular by expanding the application of compensation as a means of protecting rights, including in the compensation for non-pecuniary damage.

How to Cite

In accordance with DSTU 8302:2015:
Спасибо-Фатєєва І. Поняття компенсації в цивільному праві. Цивілістична платформа. 2026. № 2 (9). С. 5-16. https://doi.org/10.69724/2786-8834-2026-9-2-5-16

According to the international style of APA:
Spasybo-Fateyeva, I. (2026) The Concept of Compensation in Civil Law. С. P. Journal, 2 (9). https://doi.org/10.69724/2786-8834-2026-9-2-5-16 [in Ukrainian].

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