Answer

What answer means

In short, answer definition is a term you will meet in court papers, rules and legal research. The definition above gives its usual meaning in American civil practice. However, the exact meaning can depend on the rule, statute or court decision that uses it. So it helps to read the term in context.

Where answer definition comes up

For example, the term appears in these procedures:

• Answer (Fed. R. Civ. P. 8(b), 12(a)): the defendant's responsive pleading. It admits or denies the allegations of the complaint and states any defenses.

How to research the term

First, read the term where it actually appears. A rule, statute or court decision may define it for its own purposes. Next, check whether your court has a local rule that uses answer definition in a special way. Then look at recent decisions from courts in your jurisdiction. They show how judges apply the term today. Also, remember that state law can differ from federal law. For that reason, use our state procedures guide to find your state’s rules. Finally, confirm every source is current before you rely on it.

You can read the official rule text online for free.

Related legal terms

• Defendant: the person or entity a lawsuit is brought against.
• Pleading: a formal written statement of a party's claims or defenses. Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 7(a), the pleadings are the complaint, the answer, and certain other listed documents. Motions are not pleadings.
• Allonge: a paper affixed to a negotiable instrument, treated as part of the instrument for indorsements.
• Amendment: a change to a pleading after it has been filed.
• Appeal: a request that a higher court review a lower court's decision for legal error.

Why precise terms matter

Courts read legal terms closely. As a result, knowing the exact meaning of a word helps you follow orders, rules and filings. Each glossary entry on Lawtopolis is short on purpose and links to the pages where the term is used.