Legal Definitions - Court of Federal Claims, U.S.

The Court of Federal Claims, U.S. is a special court in the United States that was created in 1982. It was previously known as the Court of Claims and was renamed in 1992. This court has the power to make decisions on claims against the United States that are based on the Constitution, federal laws, regulations, contracts with the government, or any other claims for damages that are not related to torts.

For example, if a company has a contract with the government to provide goods or services and the government does not pay them, the company can file a claim with the Court of Federal Claims to get the money they are owed. Another example would be if a person is injured on government property and wants to sue for damages, they would file a claim with this court.

The Court of Federal Claims is an important part of the federal court system because it allows people and companies to seek justice when they have been wronged by the government. It ensures that the government is held accountable for its actions and that citizens have a way to seek compensation for any damages they may have suffered.