What is the general term for pleadings, with complaints and answers being specific types?

What is the general term for pleadings, with complaints and answers being specific types?

• A. Complaint
• B. Pleading
• C. Motion
• D. Summons

Answer: (B)

In civil procedure, the formal documents that parties file to set out their claims and defenses are pleadings. Complaints are the plaintiff’s initial pleading that starts the action, while answers are the defendant’s responsive pleading. Other examples include counterclaims and replies, all falling under the umbrella term pleading. A motion, by contrast, is a request for a court ruling, and a summons is the notice that triggers service of process—neither is a pleading of claims or defenses. So the general term for these filings is pleading.

In civil procedure, the formal documents that parties file to set out their claims and defenses are pleadings. Complaints are the plaintiff’s initial pleading that starts the action, while answers are the defendant’s responsive pleading. Other examples include counterclaims and replies, all falling under the umbrella term pleading. A motion, by contrast, is a request for a court ruling, and a summons is the notice that triggers service of process—neither is a pleading of claims or defenses. So the general term for these filings is pleading.