Act of God

[webbo3]

If a insurance company puts "act of god" in its policy should they not have to prove the existance of god in the event of trying to avoid paying out, I know some now put "act of nature" instead of this.



Dave.

[hc4361]

No, it is a well understood and defined term, that means the events are beyond human control.

[webbo3]

tnx hc, just wondering, but im sure some very smart lawyer COULD use this if a company was taken to court over a claim.


Dave.

[ABerrant]

A very smart lawyer would not even attempt to to make the case that such an accepted term within the legal system must be literally accurate.

Next you will be arguing that all whistle-blowers must emit a shrill sound whilst disclosing business wrongdoing.

[sophie_1003]

There's a Billy Connoly film 'The Man who Sued God', his fishing boat is destroyed, therefore destroying his livelihood, the insurance company tells him it's an act of God so he sues God (through his representatives on Earth) the church for destroying his boat. Alright film!

[flip_flop]

Other than Nichols v Marsland in 1876 there has been no other case in English law where Act of God has been succesful as a defence, and is now considered obsolete.

[R1Geezer]

this has been well tested, act of god, has a specific meaning in law.

[flip_flop]

Act of God is considered an obsolete defence.