What is Qui Tam Action?

Qui Tam is the Latin phrase for an action brought by a private citizen on behalf of the King as well as on behalf of himself. Modernly, Qui Tam refers to cases brought by citizens under the Federal Civil False Claims Act, or some other statute. Qui Tam is sometimes shortened to QT. This form of action has been very effective as a remedy in addressing wrongs committed by government contractors and others that may have committed some type of fraud costly to the government. The plaintiff that sues in Qui Tam will be entitled to share in some significant portion of any recovery that is had.