Law Dictionary Definitions

alternative minimum tax.See TAX. [Blacks Law 8th]

alternative-methods-of-performance contract.See alternative contract under CONTRACT. [Blacks Law 8th]

alternative-means doctrine.Criminal law. The principle that when a crime may be committed in  more  than  one  way,  the  jury  must  be  unanimous  on  the  defendant’s  guilt  but  need  not  be unanimous  on  the  possible  different  methods  of  committing  the  crime,  as  long  as  each  possible method is supported by substantial evidence. [Cases: Criminal Law    872.5.…

alternative mandamus.See MANDAMUS. [Blacks Law 8th]

alternative liability.See LIABILITY. [Blacks Law 8th]

alternative judgment.See JUDGMENT. [Blacks Law 8th]

alternative  expression.Patents.  In  a  patent  claim,  a  recitation  of  two  or  more  elements  or limitations that  perform  the  same  function  <iron,  steel,  or  other  magnetic  material>.  • Although once  contrary  to  U.S.  Patent  and  Trade-mark  Office  policy,  alternative  expressions  are  now permitted if they present no uncertainty or ambiguity about the scope or clarity of…

alternative dispute resolution.A procedure for settling a dispute by means other than litigation, such  as  arbitra-tion  or  mediation.  —  Abbr.  ADR.  —  Also  termed  dispute  resolution.  See ARBITRATION; MEDIATION. [Cases: Arbitration    1. C.J.S. Arbitration §§ 2–3.] “ADR can be defined as encompassing all legally permitted processes of  dispute resolution other than litigation. While this definition…

alternative devise.See DEVISE. [Blacks Law 8th]

alternative contract.See CONTRACT. [Blacks Law 8th]