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NeCede's

Maxim 1.5.41

An alternative petition is not to be heard.

Alternativa petitio non est audienda.

Source: 5 Co. 40; Jackson; Weisman, 65bb; Weisman, 87f Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable

Explanation

A party must state his claim with certainty — a petition that asserts one thing or another in the alternative lacks the definiteness the law requires.

Where this applies

  • A lawsuit demands either this remedy or that remedy without choosing one.
  • A petition asks for one outcome or the opposite, depending on the court's mood.

Legal domains

commercialcontract

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 1.5.41 — An alternative petition is not to be heard. — 5 Co. 40; Jackson; Weisman, 65bb; Weisman, 87f (Alternativa petitio non est audienda.)

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