Final answer:
The statement is true; a "whistle-blower" lawsuit is indeed known as a qui tam lawsuit, which allows individuals to sue on behalf of the federal government for fraud committed against it. Whistle-blower protections have been enforced through various acts to ensure the safety and encouragement of those exposing wrongdoing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a "whistle-blower" lawsuit also known as a qui tam lawsuit is true. A qui tam lawsuit is brought under the False Claims Act, which allows a private individual with knowledge of past or present fraud committed against the federal government to sue on the government's behalf. These lawsuits often involve whistle-blowers who come forward with information about the wrongdoing.
In historical context, the protection of whistle-blowers has been essential in maintaining governmental integrity and accountability. Acts such as the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989 and the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012 were implemented to safeguard those who report misconduct. Whistle-blower protections have also influenced journalistic practices, like reporter's privilege, which encourages the exposure of misconduct by allowing confidential sources to share sensitive information without fear of immediate reprisal or legal action.
Given these considerations, whistle-blower and qui tam lawsuits serve as critical mechanisms in promoting transparency and responsibility within organizations and government institutions, providing legal pathways for individuals to report harmful or fraudulent activities.