Legal Definitions - actio noxalis

Definition: Actio noxalis (ak-shee-oh nok-say-lis) is a Latin term that refers to a legal claim against an owner or father for a tort committed by a son, a slave, or an animal.

Examples:

• If a slave or animal owned by a person caused harm to another person, the injured party could sue the owner or father under actio noxalis.
• In Roman law, the head of the family could be sued either to pay a penalty due or to surrender the tortfeasor to the injured party.

These examples illustrate how actio noxalis was used in Roman law to hold owners or fathers responsible for the actions of their slaves or animals. It was a way to ensure that victims of harm were compensated for their losses, even if the actual wrongdoer was not able to pay.