answer:
[an • ser]
n. (bef. 12c.)
1. A defendant’s first pleading that addresses the merits of the case, usually by denying the plaintiff’s allegations. An answer usually sets forth the defendant’s defenses & counterclaims. [1]
1. The reply to a question.
2. A pleading in response to a complaint. An answer may deny the allegations of the complaint, demur to them, agree with them, or introduce affirmative defenses intended to defeat the plaintiff’s lawsuit or delay it. See false answer; full answer; unresponsive. [2]
answer:
verb
1. To reply.
2. In pleading, to respond to the plaintiff’s complaint by denying its allegations or by introducing affirmative defenses containing new matter.
3. To assume liability. USAGE: “I will answer for your debt to the bank.” [2]
Counterclaim – a cause of action within the defendant’s answer which may have been used to sue the plaintiff in a separate action; used in opposition to or as a setoff against the plaintiff ’s claim.
The Defendants Answer to the Complaint
(same form on UScourts.gov) [3]
References:
Disclaimer: All material throughout this website is pertinent to people everywhere, and is being utilized in accordance with Fair Use.
[1]: Black’s Law Dictionary Deluxe Tenth Edition by Henry Campbell Black, Editor in Chief Bryan A. Garner. ISBN: 978-0-314-61300-4
[2]: Ballantine’s Law Dictionary Legal Assistant Edition by Jack Ballantine (James Arthur 1871-1949). Doctored by Jack G. Handler, J.D. © 1994 Delmar by Thomson Learning. ISBN 0-8273-4874-6.
[3]: United States Courts, Civil Forms, “Form Number: Pro Se 3 – Defendant’s Answer to the Complaint”: http://www.uscourts.gov/forms/pro-se-forms/defendants-answer-complaint
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Legal Precepts Adopted (from Europe) into The U.S. Constitution
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