Civil Procedure
Crossclaim
A claim by one party against a co-party, such as one defendant suing another defendant in the same case.
Governing rule: Fed. R. Civ. P. 13(g)
Plain-English definition
A crossclaim is not aimed at the opposing side; it is aimed at someone already aligned on the same side of the caption. Defendants use crossclaims to shift blame, seek indemnity, or sort out who should pay if the plaintiff wins.
How it works
A crossclaim must arise out of the same transaction or occurrence as the main action or relate to property involved in the action.
Why it matters
Crossclaims reveal the internal fault lines among defendants and can make settlement far more complicated.
Related terms
More in Civil Procedure
Amended Complaint
A revised complaint that changes, adds, or clarifies allegations, parties, or claims after the original complaint was filed.
Answer
The defendant's formal written response to the plaintiff's complaint, admitting or denying each allegation.
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.
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.