Act of God

a legal expression used to cover natural and accidental disasters beyond the control of man. Cyclones, hailstorms, strokes of lightning, and storms at sea are acts of God in a legal sense. Railroads, steamships and other carriers customarily insert a clause in their bills of lading to the effect that they shall not be held responsible for any loss or damage to goods arising from an act of God. Courts hold, however, that the loss must be due immediately to the act of God in order that a carrier may escape responsibility. If, for instance, lightning should strike a stock car and kill several fine steers, the railway company could not be held for the value of the steers; but if a stroke of lightning should set fire to a bridge, and a stock train should later break through, the company could be required to pay losses on the ground that the accident might have been prevented by human forethought and caution.