Contribution

[Lat. contributio,] The making up by several parties jointly interested or indebted, to one of their number, of a loss sustained, or payment made by him for the benefit of them all.* Thus, where one of several sureties has been compelled to pay the whole of the money for which they all became bound, he is entitled to receive contribution from all the others, for what he has done in relieving them from a common burden. 1 Story* s Eg, Jurispr. § 492, and notes.

1 Smith's Lead, Cas, 71, note. White's Eq, Cases, 60. 3 Co. 11. 1 Arch, Pr, 291.

So, in maritime law, where the property of one of several parties interested in a vessel and cargo has been voluntarily sacrificed for the common safety, (as by throwing goods overboard to lighten the vessel,) such loss must be made good by the contribution of the others, which is termed general average, 3 Kent's Com. 232—244.

1 Story's Eq, Jurisp, § 490.

See General average,