Jury Demand
A written demand for a jury trial on issues triable by a jury.
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Notice of Removal
The filing a defendant uses to move a case from state court to federal court when the federal court would have had original jurisdiction.
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Complaint
The pleading that starts a civil action. Under Rule 3, a civil action is commenced by filing a complaint with the court.
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Proof of Service
A filing that shows the court how, when and on whom a document was served.
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Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis
A request to start a case without prepaying the filing fee because the person cannot afford it.
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Answer
The defendant’s responsive pleading. It admits or denies the allegations of the complaint and states any defenses.
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Affirmative Defenses
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.
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Counterclaim
A claim a defending party asserts against the opposing party.
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Crossclaim
A claim by one party against a coparty — for example, one defendant against another defendant.
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Third-Party Complaint (Impleader)
A defending party brings in a nonparty who is or may be liable to it for all or part of the claim against it.