Legal Definitions - aliter

Definition: Otherwise; it would be otherwise.

For example, if someone trespasses on another person's land and digs a hole without leaving any debris, the trespass ends as soon as they leave the land. However, if they bring a pile of soil and leave it on the plaintiff's land, the trespass continues until the soil is removed. In this case, two actions can be taken, and full damages can be recovered for both past and future harm.

Explanation: Aliter is a Latin term used in legal contexts to indicate that a situation would be different under different circumstances. In the example given, the presence or absence of debris on the land determines whether the trespass has ended or is ongoing. The use of aliter clarifies that the situation is not straightforward and requires careful consideration of the specific details.