Force majeure

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In contract law, force majeure ( FORSS mə-ZHUR; French: [fɔʁs maʒœʁ]) (French; literally, “superior force”) is a common clause in contracts which essentially frees both parties from liability or obligation when an extraordinary event or circumstance beyond the control of the parties prevents fulfillment of the contract. Such events can include war, labor strike, riot, crime, epidemic, extreme weather or natural disaster, or sudden legal change. Force majeure often includes events described as acts of God, though such events remain legally distinct from the clause itself. In practice, most force majeure clauses do not entirely excuse a party's non-performance but suspend it for the duration of the force majeure. Force majeure is generally intended to include occurrences beyond the reasonable control of a party, and therefore would not cover: Any result of the negligence or malfeasance of a party, which has a materially adverse effect on the ability of such party to perform its obligations...

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