Civil Procedure
Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings
MJOPA request for judgment based only on the pleadings after the complaint and answer are closed.
Governing rule: Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(c)
Plain-English definition
A motion for judgment on the pleadings asks the court to decide that the pleadings themselves show who wins. It is similar to a motion to dismiss, but it comes after the pleadings are closed, usually after the defendant has answered.
How it works
The court generally accepts well-pleaded facts as true and asks whether the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law based on the pleadings.
Why it matters
This motion can end a case before discovery when the dispute is purely legal or the pleadings reveal a fatal defect.
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.
Crossclaim
A claim by one party against a co-party, such as one defendant suing another defendant in the same case.
Not legal advice. Definitions are for general reference. Consult an attorney before relying on any term in a real case.