Generally, the government decides whether to bring a lawsuit to protect its own interests. For example, the government decides whether to bring a lawsuit against a company that has violated environmental laws. The government has recognized, however, that many types of fraud will not be uncovered unless a private individual steps up and brings the lawsuit. The phrase "qui tam" means that someone other than the government brings the lawsuit in order to protect the government's interests. The term "qui tam" comes from the Latin phrase "qui tam pro domino rege quam pro seipse", which means "he who sues for the king as for himself."