Defendant
The person or entity a lawsuit is brought against.
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Plaintiff
The person or entity that starts a civil lawsuit by filing a complaint.
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Answer
The defendant’s pleading responding to the complaint, admitting or denying each allegation and stating defenses.
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Summons
A court-issued document that notifies a defendant of a lawsuit and the time to respond. It is served with the complaint.
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Service of process
Formally delivering the summons and complaint to a defendant in a way the rules allow.
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Movant
The party who files a motion.
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Nonmovant
The party responding to a motion.
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Motion
A request asking the court for an order. In federal court, motions must generally be in writing, state the grounds with particularity and state the relief sought.