Act of God

In one sentence

A natural event beyond human control that excuses contract performance.

Plain English

An act of God is a natural disaster or phenomenon—earthquakes, floods, lightning, severe storms—that nobody could foresee or prevent. In contract law, it typically excuses performance if the contract doesn't have a specific force majeure clause. The event must be truly natural and not caused by human negligence. Courts interpret this narrowly, so not every bad weather event qualifies.

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Example

A farmer contracts to deliver 1,000 bushels of corn by October 1st. An unprecedented drought destroys the entire crop. The farmer may be excused from delivery under an act of God clause, since the drought was unforeseeable and beyond the farmer's control.

Used in a sentence

“The contractor claimed an act of God when a freak ice storm made the construction site inaccessible.”

Related terms

Force Majeure Event

An unforeseeable, uncontrollable event that prevents contract performance.

Doctrine of Impossibility

A party is excused from contract performance when it becomes physically or legally impossible.

Doctrine of Frustration

A contract is excused when unforeseen events make its purpose impossible to achieve.

Discharge of Contract

The release of both parties from their contractual obligations.

Performance

The act of doing what a contract requires, such as delivering goods or paying money.

Contract

A legally binding agreement between two or more parties to do or not do something.

Offer

A proposal to enter into a binding agreement on specific terms.

Acceptance

Agreeing to the exact terms of an offer, creating a binding contract.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.