good samaritan law: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Legal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “good samaritan law” mean?
A law that offers legal protection to individuals who voluntarily provide reasonable assistance to people who are injured, ill, or in peril.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A law that offers legal protection to individuals who voluntarily provide reasonable assistance to people who are injured, ill, or in peril.
Legislation designed to encourage people to help others in emergency situations by reducing the risk of liability for unintended consequences of their aid. The term originates from the Biblical parable of the Good Samaritan.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The concept and term are nearly identical in usage. The US has widespread, state-level statutes. The UK lacks a single, comprehensive 'Good Samaritan law' but has relevant common law principles and some statutory provisions (e.g., Social Action, Responsibility and Heroism Act 2015) that serve a similar protective function.
Connotations
In both regions, the term connotes legal protection for altruism. In the US, it is a well-known legal category; in the UK, it is often discussed as a desirable legal reform or is used more loosely to describe the underlying principle.
Frequency
More frequently used in American English due to the prevalence of formal statutes. In British English, the phrase is used in legal/academic discourse but is less common in everyday language.
Grammar
How to Use “good samaritan law” in a Sentence
[Jurisdiction] has a Good Samaritan law.The Good Samaritan law protects [person/group].She acted under the state's Good Samaritan law.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “good samaritan law” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new Act effectively 'Good Samaritans' volunteers by limiting liability.
- They argued the law would encourage people to Good Samaritan.
American English
- The statute Good-Samaritans anyone providing emergency aid.
- We need to Good Samaritan more often in our communities.
adjective
British English
- He made a Good-Samaritan-style intervention at the scene.
- The case raised important Good Samaritan principles.
American English
- Her actions had a clear Good Samaritan intent.
- They discussed the Good-Samaritan doctrine in tort law.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Might appear in corporate risk management or first-aid policy discussions.
Academic
Common in law, ethics, and public health journals discussing civic duty, liability, and emergency response.
Everyday
Used when discussing news stories about people helping in accidents or debates about whether one is obligated to help.
Technical
A precise term in legal texts, court opinions, and legislative documents defining scope, applicability, and exceptions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “good samaritan law”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “good samaritan law”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “good samaritan law”
- Using lowercase ('good samaritan law').
- Using it to describe any kind act, rather than the specific legal protection.
- Thinking it requires the helper to be medically trained (it generally applies to ordinary citizens).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, with rare exceptions (e.g., in some countries with a 'duty to rescue'), these laws protect those who choose to help voluntarily; they do not typically impose a legal obligation to act.
It varies by jurisdiction. Often, medical professionals are covered when acting outside a formal clinical setting, but some laws have specific provisions or exceptions for them.
It means the helper intended to assist the victim without malicious or fraudulent motive, and did not act with reckless disregard for the victim's safety (gross negligence).
The English term is used in many common law countries. The legal concept exists in various forms worldwide, often under different names like 'bystander immunity' or 'emergency aid' laws.
A law that offers legal protection to individuals who voluntarily provide reasonable assistance to people who are injured, ill, or in peril.
Good samaritan law is usually formal, legal, academic in register.
Good samaritan law: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡʊd səˈmærɪtən lɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡʊd səˈmɛrətən lɔ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A GOOD person from SAMARIA (in the Bible story) helped a stranger. The LAW now protects modern helpers.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE LAW IS A SHIELD (protecting the helper from legal arrows).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a Good Samaritan law?