Are "Acts of God" Disappearing?

The video discusses a historical legal case involving a flood in Kansas that destroyed a trainload of butter, leading to a lawsuit where the 'act of God' defense was used. The term 'act of God' has been used since the 1500s to describe unforeseen natural events. To use this defense, one must prove that reasonable precautions couldn't prevent the damage and that it was caused by a natural force without human influence. However, advancements in technology and understanding of human impact on natural disasters are making it harder to meet these criteria. The video suggests that while 'act of God' cases may increase, the success of this defense may decline due to better prediction and recognition of human contributions to such events.

What was the court's decision regarding the Kansas flood case involving the trainload of butter?

• The court held the railroad company responsible.

• The court ruled it was an act of God.

• The court dismissed the case due to lack of evidence.

• The court ordered the Creamery to pay damages.

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for the act of God defense?

• The event must be unpredictable.

• Reasonable precautions could not prevent the damage.

• The event must be caused by a deity.

• The event was caused by a natural force without human influence.

How has technology affected the use of the act of God defense?

• It has made it easier to prove events are acts of God.

• It has raised the bar for what is considered reasonable precautions.

• It has no impact on the defense.

• It has eliminated the need for this defense.

What is one reason why the act of God defense is becoming harder to use?

• Human activities are increasingly influencing natural events.

• Courts are no longer accepting this defense.

• Insurance companies have banned this defense.

• Natural disasters are decreasing in frequency.

Which natural disaster was intensified by human activities, according to the transcript?

• Hurricane Katrina

• The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami

• The 2015 European heat wave

• Hurricane Sandy