Qui Tam Action Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Qui Tam Action.

Qui Tam Action (noun):

A legal proceeding or lawsuit in which a private individual (known as a "relator") files a case on behalf of their government against a party believed to have violated certain laws, typically those involving fraud against the government. The individual who initiates the action stands to potentially share in the financial recovery if the case is won. This concept stems from a traditional principle of Roman law, referred to as "qui tam", meaning "who as well".