The despoiled party ought to be restored before all else.

Explanation

Before any other question is heard — before defenses, counterclaims, or procedural objections — the party wrongfully deprived of his property must first be restored to possession. Restoration comes before adjudication.

Where this applies

• My property was wrongfully seized — before we argue about who was right, give me back my stuff.
• The government took my car illegally — restoration should come before anything else.

See also

• 5.4.1 A gift is perfected by the possession of the receiver.
• 7.9.1 Remedies are the life of rights.
• 7.9.12 Remedies ought to be reciprocal.