Legal Definitions - Court of Claims

The Court of Claims was a federal court in the United States that was established in 1855. Its purpose was to settle monetary claims against the government. These claims could be based on contracts, either express or implied, or claims referred by Congress.

For example, if a company had a contract with the government to provide goods or services, and the government failed to pay for those goods or services, the company could file a claim with the Court of Claims to seek compensation.

The Court of Claims was abolished by Congress in 1982. However, trial level cases were moved to the United States Court of Federal Claims, and appellate cases were moved to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Some states also have their own court of claims, which serve a similar purpose at the state level.