Legal Definitions - noxal action

Definition: Noxal action is a legal claim against an owner or father for a tort committed by their son, slave, or animal. In Roman law, the head of the family could be sued to pay a penalty or surrender the tortfeasor to the injured party. This type of action was also used to recover damages caused by animals.

• If a slave of a Roman family caused harm to someone, the injured party could sue the head of the family for compensation.
• If a person's dog bit someone and caused injury, the victim could file a noxal action against the dog's owner to recover damages.

These examples illustrate how noxal action was used to hold owners responsible for the actions of their property, whether it be a slave or an animal. It was a way to ensure that victims of harm were compensated for their losses.