Federal (United States)

Defenses that defeat or reduce a claim even if the plaintiff’s allegations are true. Rule 8(c)(1) lists examples such as statute of limitations, res judicata, release, payment and waiver.

A claim a defending party asserts against the opposing party.

A claim by one party against a coparty — for example, one defendant against another defendant.

A defending party brings in a nonparty who is or may be liable to it for all or part of the claim against it.