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Glite Dictionary
alternative pleading

alternative pleading

9.2
A court paper that gives different, sometimes opposite, versions of facts so a lawyer can use any that fit
  • noun
  • /ˌɔːltərˈneɪtɪv ˈpliːdɪŋ/
  • Formal
translation icon : alegato alternativo
  • The defense filed an alternative pleading to cover both possible scenarios presented by the evidence.

Examples

  • Because of uncertainties in the facts, the attorney relied on alternative pleading to protect the client’s interests.

  • The lawyer filed an alternative pleading to cover all possible scenarios.

  • The judge allowed the alternative pleading, recognizing the complexity of the case.

  • Can you explain what an alternative pleading is?

  • The attorney submitted an alternative pleading that outlined conflicting claims to ensure all bases were covered.

  • In response to the complicated evidence, the lawyer proposed an alternative pleading to address multiple interpretations.

  • To adapt to changing facts, she presented an alternative pleading with several different arguments in one document.

Synonyms

pleading in the alternative
vsalternative pleading
  • Formal
1 9.9

A court statement that gives different facts or claims to use later

has identical meaning but uses a different word order or phrasing

Surface Forms

alternative pleading singular
alternative pleadings plural

Morphology

alternative + pleading

The noun is compositionally clear: 'alternative' (a choice among possibilities) combined with 'pleading' (a formal legal statement) yields a filing that sets out alternative claims. A B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer it is a pleading presenting different options, though the precise legal procedural nuances would require specialist knowledge.

Etymology

Alternative pleading comes from a simple picture: alternative means more than one choice and pleading is a lawyer's written story to the court. One popular image is a lawyer laying out two different stories and saying 'use either one', so the lawyer keeps the client's case covered no matter which facts turn out to be true.