We continue our series breaking down each stage of a civil court case in this episode. Tom highlights the importance of understanding the language used in court, which often seems foreign to those who aren't familiar with legal procedures. He emphasizes the need to familiarize yourself with legal terms such as "complaint" and "answer" to effectively participate in your own case or understand what your lawyer is saying.

In our previous episodes, we discussed the concepts of service and the filing of a complaint—two vital steps in the litigation process. Now, we shift our focus to the answer to the complaint. 

The “answer” holds significant weight in court proceedings. It entails the defendant's response to the allegations made in the complaint. Often, you'll find that a significant portion of the answer is simply denials, as defendants refute many claims stated in the complaint. However, in certain strategic situations, the defendant may opt to provide more substantial information to present their side of the story, taking advantage of the fact that the answer becomes public record, accessible to anyone examining the case.

By gaining insight into the mechanics of the court system and the language it employs, you'll enhance your ability to navigate and take control of your legal journey.

 

You Will Learn

1️⃣ What is typically included in the answer to a complaint

2️⃣ Why a defendant might strategically choose to include more information in their answer to a complaint

3️⃣ What happens when the defendant answers with a counterclaim

4️⃣ How to access the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure online and why it is a powerful resource to help you understand the civil litigation process

5️⃣ Why an answer will sometimes contain both denials and admissions

6️⃣ How admissions can help establish the facts of the case

 

Links and Resources

Previous episodes in the “Steps in the Litigation Process” series

Filing the Complaint 

https://sites.libsyn.com/473667/steps-in-the-litigation-process-filing-the-complaint

Serving the Complaint

https://sites.libsyn.com/473667/from-filing-to-serving-your-guide-to-serving-the-complaint-in-your-employment-lawsuit

 

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Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be legal advice. This is for educational purposes only. If you are seeking legal advice, please talk to a lawyer.