Legal Definitions - allotment

Allotment

An allotment refers to a designated share, portion, or distribution of something, often property, resources, or time, that is set aside for a specific individual, group, or purpose from a larger common pool or total amount.

• Example 1: Community Garden Plots

  In a large community garden, each participating family receives a specific plot of land, typically 10x10 feet, to cultivate vegetables and flowers. This individual plot, often marked by a small fence or boundary, is their designated space for the growing season.

  This illustrates an allotment because each family is given a distinct, defined portion of the larger, commonly held garden area for their exclusive use.

• Example 2: Public Forum Speaking Time

  During a town hall meeting where various community members wish to express their views on a proposed local ordinance, the moderator announces that each speaker will have a maximum of three minutes to present their arguments or ask questions.

  Here, the three-minute period is an allotment of time, ensuring that the total available speaking time is fairly distributed among all interested participants.

• Example 3: Historical Land Distribution to Tribal Members

  Historically, under certain U.S. government policies, individual members of Native American tribes were sometimes granted specific parcels of land, for example, 160 acres, from larger tribal reservations or communal holdings. These parcels were intended for individual ownership and farming.

  This specific parcel of land granted to an individual tribal member from the collective tribal lands represents an allotment in the context of American Indian law, distinguishing it from the communal property.