Legal Definitions - double pleading

Definition: Double pleading is when a legal document or statement contains two or more inconsistent or contradictory claims. It is also known as duplicity.

Example: In a criminal case, the defendant may be charged with both burglary and larceny for the same incident. This would be considered double pleading because the two charges are inconsistent with each other.

Explanation: Double pleading is not allowed in legal proceedings because it can create confusion and make it difficult for the opposing party to prepare a defense. In the example given, the defendant cannot be charged with both burglary and larceny for the same incident because they are two different crimes with different elements of proof. This would be considered double pleading and would not be allowed in court.