Actus Dei nemini facit injuriam
“Actus Dei nemini facit injuriam” is a legal maxim in Latin that means “The act of God does no injury to anyone” in English. This principle is often used in legal contexts to refer to events or situations that are beyond human control or influence.
In legal terms, “actus Dei” refers to an act of God, which usually includes natural disasters or events that are unforeseeable and uncontrollable, like earthquakes, floods, or hurricanes. The maxim suggests that when such events occur and they cause harm or damage, no human action or negligence is to blame. Therefore, individuals or entities are generally not held legally responsible for the consequences of these acts of God.
This principle is relevant in various legal fields, including contract law, tort law, and insurance law, where parties may seek to exempt themselves from liability for events beyond their control. It underscores the idea that individuals or entities should not be held accountable for harm caused by circumstances that are beyond their ability to foresee or prevent.