Pleading

What pleading means

Put simply, pleading is part of the working vocabulary of a civil case. The short definition above covers the usual meaning. Still, a specific rule, statute or contract can give it a narrower meaning. For that reason, check how it is used in your own documents.

Where pleading comes up

For example, the term appears in these procedures:

• Complaint (Fed. R. Civ. P. 3, 8(a)): the pleading that starts a civil action. Under Rule 3, a civil action is commenced by filing a complaint with the court.
• 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

To research pleading, begin with the rule, statute or contract where the word is used. Each one can give it a slightly different meaning. Then compare that text with how courts in your area have applied it. Also check the local rules of your court, since they can add requirements. If your case is in state court, the state rules control. So start with our state procedures guide to find them. In the end, always confirm that the source you rely on is current.

You can read the official rule text online for free.

Related legal terms

• Plaintiff: the person or entity that starts a civil lawsuit by filing a complaint.
• Complaint: the pleading that starts a civil case by stating the plaintiff's claims and the relief requested.
• Caption: the heading of a court document identifying the court, the parties, the case number and the document title.
• Defendant: the person or entity a lawsuit is brought against.
• Answer: the defendant's pleading responding to the complaint, admitting or denying each allegation and stating defenses.

Why precise terms matter

Legal words often look like everyday words, but they can carry a precise meaning. Because of that, a small misreading can change how you understand a deadline, a duty or a right. Our glossary keeps each definition short and links it to the procedures where it matters.