force majeure
Definition
Force majeure is a contract clause that excuses a party from fulfilling their obligations when an extraordinary event completely outside their control makes performance impossible. Think of it as a legal "act of God" escape hatch that covers things like natural disasters, wars, or pandemics. The key idea is that neither party caused the problem and no one could have reasonably predicted or prevented it.
Example
If your catering company signed a contract to provide food for a large event and a hurricane forced a mandatory evacuation of the entire city, a force majeure clause would protect you from being sued for breaching that contract. Without this clause in writing, you could still be held legally responsible even though the disaster was completely beyond your control.
Watch Out
Many force majeure clauses are written very narrowly, so an event you consider catastrophic might not actually qualify under the specific language your contract uses, which is why you should always read this clause carefully before signing.
See which terms appear in your contract?
This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.