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governmental immunity

n. the doctrine from English common law that no governmental body can be sued unless it gives permission. This protection resulted in terrible injustices, since public hospitals, government drivers and other employees could be negligent with impunity (free) from judgment. The Federal Tort Claims Act and state waivers of immunity (with specific claims systems) have negated this rule, which stemmed from the days when kings set prerogatives.

See also: Federal Tort Claims Act  immunity 



The People's Law Dictionary by Gerald and Kathleen Hill Publisher Fine Communications