I.Introduction

II.Causes of Inconsistencies

A.The Patent Statute Contains Many General Standards
B.Mental States
C.Unresolved Issues About Claim Scope

III.Contexts of Non-Endemic Uncertainty Problems

A.Precedent Volume
B.We Are Not Alone: Worries About Judicial Inconsistencies In Other Areas of Law

IV.Four Case Histories

A.A Sensed Need To Provide A Remedy May Lead To An Unforeseen Result
B.Longstanding Unresolved Differences Among Judges Over Written Description Bring An Unpredictable Outcome
C.A Rule Of Law May Take Some Time To Emerge
D.Sometimes The Ruling Is Doctrinally Right But Is Still Criticized As Wrong

V.Conclusion