Act of God
/ˈækt əv ɡɒd/
Definitions
- (n.) An event caused by natural forces without human intervention, considered unforeseeable and unavoidable in law, often excusing liability or performance under a contract.
The flood was ruled an act of God, releasing the parties from liability.
Forms
- acts of god
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Typically used in contracts and tort law to allocate risk for natural, uncontrollable events; precise scope varies by jurisdiction.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.