FEDERAL TORT CLAIMS ACT

an act passed in 1946 that confers exclusive jurisdiction on United States district courts to hear claims against the United States for money damages, for injury or loss of property, or personal injury or death, caused by the negligent or wrongful act or omission of any employee of the government while acting within the scope of his office or employment, under circumstances where the United States, if a private person, would be liable to the claimant under the laws of the place where the act or omission occurred. The act is a broad waiver of sovereign immunity, although there are a number of qualifications on the waiver. Some state governments have enacted similar legislation. see Tort Claims Act. Source: Barron's Dictionary of Legal Terms, Steven H. Gifis, 5th Edition; © 2016