Legal Definitions - Claims Court, U.S.

The Claims Court, U.S. is also known as the United States Court of Federal Claims. It is a special court created in 1982 under Article I of the Constitution. It replaced the Court of Claims and was renamed in 1992. The court has the power to make a money judgment on any claim against the United States that is based on the Constitution, a federal statute, a federal regulation, an express or implied-in-fact contract with the United States, or any other claim for damages not sounding in tort.

For example, if a company has a contract with the United States government to provide goods or services, and the government fails to pay for those goods or services, the company can file a claim with the Claims Court to seek payment. Another example would be if a person is injured on federal property due to negligence, they can file a claim with the Claims Court for damages.

The Claims Court is an important court because it provides a way for individuals and companies to seek compensation from the federal government when they have been wronged. It ensures that the government is held accountable for its actions and that justice is served.