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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Federal Tort Claims Act
Read a random definition: before the fact
A quick definition of Federal Tort Claims Act:
The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) is a law that allows people to sue the United States government for certain types of harm caused by its employees. This law makes the government responsible for the actions of its employees, like any other employer. However, the government is not responsible for intentional actions by its employees and cannot be made to pay extra money as punishment.
A more thorough explanation:
The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) is a law that allows individuals to sue the United States government for torts committed by its employees. A tort is a civil wrong that causes harm or injury to another person. The FTCA applies to situations where the government would be held liable if it were a private person.
For example, if a postal worker causes a car accident while on the job, the injured party can sue the government under the FTCA. However, if a government employee intentionally harms someone, the FTCA does not apply.
The FTCA is important because it allows individuals to seek compensation for harm caused by the government. Without the FTCA, the government would be immune from most lawsuits, which would make it difficult for individuals to hold the government accountable for its actions.