relator

Relator is a term with several related meanings in English, originating from the Latin relator meaning “one who relates or reports.” In general use, a relator is a person who relates, narrates, or recounts events or information, often in a formal or historical context.

In legal terminology, particularly in the United States, a relator has a specialized meaning under the False Claims Act. A relator is a private individual who brings a qui tam action on behalf of the government, alleging that fraud has been committed against federal programs or contracts. If the action is successful, the relator is entitled to a share of the recovery, with the exact percentage typically depending on whether the government has intervened in the case. When the government intervenes, relator shares are commonly around 15% to 25%; if the government does not intervene, the relief can be larger, sometimes up to about 30%. The relator’s role is that of a whistleblower who provides information that leads to enforcement.

Etymology and usage: The word derives from Latin relator, formed from referre “to relate, report.” In modern English, the legal sense is the most widely recognized use, while the general sense remains relevant in historical or literary writing. Outside law, relator is rarely used as a technical term and may appear as a surname or in ceremonial or descriptive phrases.

See also: whistleblower, false claims act, qui tam.