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answer definition - legal

v

To respond to a pleading, discovery request, or other judicial process or procedural step.

v

To address or counter allegations, account for oneÂ’s actions, or otherwise put up a defense.

v

To assume the liability or responsibility for anotherÂ’s actions.

v

To pay a debt or other liability; to suffer the consequences for oneÂ’s actions.

n

A pleading that is a defendantÂ’s principal response to a plaintiffÂ’s complaint. It denies, admits, or otherwise addresses each of the allegations in the complaint. It also usually sets forth the defendantÂ’s affirmative defenses and counterclaims. See also reply.

Webster's New World Law Dictionary Copyright © 2006 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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