Introduction to Legal Documents

Question 0

Plaintiff

Answer 0

The one filing the complaint.

Question 1

Litigation documents

Answer 1

Court pleading and notion

Question 2

Complaint

Answer 2

The initial complaint filed by the plaintiff against the defendant.

• identifies the basis of the law suit
• identifies the relief sought

Question 3

Summons

Answer 3

The document advising the defendant that some action must be taken within a specified period.

Question 4

Answer

Answer 4

A pleading in response to a complaint. An answer may deny the allegations of the complaint, demur them, agree with them, or introduce affirmative defenses intended to defeat the defendant’s lawsuit or delay them. Defendant may sky for more time to prepare an answer.

Question 5

Counterclaim

Answer 5

A pleading where the defendant decides to assert a claim against the plaintiff.

Question 6

Cross-claim

Answer 6

A counter-claim against a co-plaintiff or codefendant

Question 7

Pleadings

Answer 7

Forms of litigation documents. Used to assert or defend against a claim.

Question 8

Discovery process

Answer 8

A means for providing a party, in advance of trial, to access of facts that are within the knowledge of the other side, to enable the party to better try his or her case.

Question 9

Interrogatories

Answer 9

Written questions put by one party to another, or, in limited situations, to a witness in advance of trial.