Legal Definitions - ex contractu

Definition: Ex contractu is a Latin term that means "from a contract" or "arising from a contract." It refers to any consequence that comes from a contract. This term is often used to describe a legal action that arises from a breach of a provision in a contract. An ex contractu action can be based on an express or implied contract.

For example, if a person hires a contractor to build a house and the contractor fails to complete the work according to the terms of the contract, the homeowner may have an ex contractu action against the contractor for breach of contract.

Ex contractu actions are different from ex delicto actions, which arise from a wrong other than a breach of contract. Ex delicto actions are based on tort law, while ex contractu actions are based on contract law.

Overall, ex contractu refers to any legal action that arises from a contract, whether it is written or implied.