Definition - What does Answer mean?

An Answer is a defendant's written response to a plaintiff's written allegations, known as a complaint or a petition, as given in a court of law. The Answer has to reference the points made by the plaintiff that are the crux of the case and explain what the defendant believes the facts of the story to be. It is after the defendant gives their answer that a decision can be made by a judge. In the US, every defendant has a right to speak on their own behalf or answer to any allegations made against them.

Justipedia explains Answer

An Answer normally denies the points the plaintiff has made and usually explains more detail than what was originally brought in front of the court by the plaintiff. If the defendant's Answer is strong enough, the complaint against them will be dropped immediately.

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