Civil Procedure
Answer
The defendant's formal written response to the plaintiff's complaint, admitting or denying each allegation.
Governing rule: Fed. R. Civ. P. 8(b), 8(c)
Plain-English definition
The answer is the defendant's formal pleading filed in response to the complaint. It must admit, deny, or state lack of knowledge sufficient to form a belief as to each numbered allegation. The answer also raises affirmative defenses (excuses or counter-arguments that defeat the claim even if everything plaintiff says is true) and any counterclaims against the plaintiff.
More in Civil Procedure
Amended Complaint
A revised complaint that changes, adds, or clarifies allegations, parties, or claims after the original complaint was filed.
Class Certification
The judicial decision to allow a lawsuit to proceed as a class action on behalf of similarly-situated plaintiffs.
Collateral Estoppel
Also called issue preclusion. The doctrine that prevents re-litigating a specific issue that was actually decided in a prior case.
Complaint
The initial pleading filed by the plaintiff that starts a civil lawsuit.
Consolidation
Combining related cases for coordinated management, discovery, hearings, or trial.
Counterclaim
A claim brought by a defendant against the plaintiff within the same lawsuit.
Crossclaim
A claim by one party against a co-party, such as one defendant suing another defendant in the same case.
Default
A clerk or court entry showing that a party failed to plead, defend, or otherwise respond as required.
Not legal advice. Definitions are for general reference. Consult an attorney before relying on any term in a real case.