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material alteration

Defined in 2 dictionaries — Case Law, Ballentine's (1916)

Definitions from Case Law

From 69 U.S. 219 - Smith v. United States · 1864Most cited · 90 citing opinions

the rule is universal that the alteration of an instrument in a material point by the party claiming under it, as by inserting or striking out names without the authority or consent of the other parties concerned, renders the instrument void, unless subsequently approved or ratified

Show all 2 Supreme Court definitions and how they changed over time 1864–1867

Ballentine's Law Dictionary

James A. Ballentine · 1916

An alteration of a written instrument made by a party to it and having the effect of changing the contract in a material particular. See 10 Am. Dec. 269, note.