Legal Definitions - United States Claims Court

The United States Claims Court, also known as the Court of Claims, is a specialized federal court that was created in 1982 under Article I of the Constitution. In 1992, it was renamed as the United States Court of Federal Claims.

This court has the authority to make a money judgment on any claim against the United States that is based on the Constitution, a federal statute, a federal regulation, an express or implied-in-fact contract with the United States, or any other claim for damages that does not involve tort.

For example, if a company has a contract with the United States government to provide goods or services, and the government fails to pay for those goods or services, the company can file a claim with the United States Court of Federal Claims to seek payment.

Another example would be if an individual believes that the government has violated their constitutional rights, they can file a claim with this court to seek compensation for damages.

The United States Claims Court is an important institution that helps ensure that the government is held accountable for its actions and that individuals and companies are able to seek justice when they have been wronged.