act of God

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act of God

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2008 | Copyright

act of God in law, an accident caused by the operation of extraordinary natural force. The effect of ordinary natural causes (e.g., that rain will leak through a defective roof) may be foreseen and avoided by the exercise of human care; failure to take the necessary precautions constitutes negligence , and the party injured in the accident may be entitled to damages. An act of God, however, is so extraordinary and devoid of human agency that reasonable care would not avoid the consequences; hence, the injured party has no right to damages. Accidents caused by tornadoes, perils of the sea, extraordinary floods, and severe ice storms are usually considered acts of God, but fires are not so considered unless they are caused by lightning.

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"act of God." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 13 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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Act of God

West's Encyclopedia of American Law | 2005 | Copyright

ACT OF GOD

An event that directly and exclusively results from the occurrence of natural causes that could not have been prevented by the exercise of foresight or caution; an inevitable accident.

Courts have recognized various events as acts of God—tornadoes, earthquakes, death, extraordinarily high tides, violent winds, and floods. Many insurance policies for property damage exclude from their protection damage caused by acts of God.

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"Act of God." West's Encyclopedia of American Law. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 13 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"Act of God." West's Encyclopedia of American Law. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (February 13, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3437700102.html

"Act of God." West's Encyclopedia of American Law. 2005. Retrieved February 13, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3437700102.html

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act

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable | 2006 | | Copyright

act act and deed part of a formula used in concluding a legal transaction by signing a document.
See also act of God, act of grace, Act of Union at union.

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ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "act." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 13 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "act." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. (February 13, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-act.html

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "act." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Retrieved February 13, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-act.html

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Free newspaper and magazine articles

	Legal talk: Hurricane: an act of God?(At a Glance) Magazine article from: Workboat; 7/1/2004
	Was the tsunami an act of God?(Viewpoint) Magazine article from: National Catholic Reporter; 1/28/2005
	My fear for my girls and an Act of God; WAVES OF DEATH. Newspaper article from: Daily Mail (London); 12/28/2004