1. The right that gives one of several persons who are liable on a common debt the ability to recover ratably from each of the others when that one person discharges the debt for the benefit of all; the right to demand that another who is jointly responsible for a third party’s injury supply part of what is required to compensate the third party. — Also termed right of contribution. [Cases: Contribution 1–6. C.J.S. Contribution §§ 2–7, 9–24, 29.]
2. A tortfeasor’s right to collect from others responsible for the same tort after the tortfeasor has paid more than his or her proportionate share, the shares being determined as a percentage of fault. [Cases: Contribution 5–7. C.J.S. Contribution §§ 5–10, 12–24, 29.]
3. The actual payment by a joint tortfeasor of a proportionate share of what is due. Cf. INDEMNITY.
4. WAR CONTRIBUTION.
