What is an Answer? [court - legal terminology]

An Answer, for purposes of a civil action before the court, is a formal legal response of the defendant to the factual allegations and legal claims of the plaintiff that were set forth in the plaintiff’s Summons and Complaint in the United States of America. The Answer sets out the defendant’s position in the litigation; admitting or denying allegations made by the plaintiff, and presenting the defendant’s own version of the facts. The Answer also provides the defendant the opportunity to assert affirmative defenses, facts and/or legal arguments to defeat the plaintiff’s claims.
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