Legal Definitions - governmental activity

Governmental activity refers to the actions taken by a government agency that are authorized by law and carried out for the benefit of the public. This can include activities such as law enforcement, firefighting, and providing public utilities.

When a government agency engages in a governmental activity, they are generally immune from liability for any harm that may result from their actions. For example, if a police officer uses force to apprehend a suspect, they are protected from being sued for any injuries that the suspect may have sustained during the arrest.

However, if a government agency engages in a proprietary function, such as operating a business for profit, they may be held liable for any harm that results from their actions. For example, if a city operates a water park and a patron is injured on a faulty water slide, the city may be held liable for the patron's injuries.

Overall, the distinction between governmental and proprietary functions can be complex and may depend on the specific circumstances of each case.