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pleadings definition - legal

n

Formal, written declaration in legal form of logical statements setting forth the facts of the plaintiffÂ’s allegations or the defendantÂ’s responses, and or the reasons why each party believes that she is in the right (that is, the grounds).
amended
pleading. One submitted to the court later than the original pleadings, correcting or adding to them.
defective
pleading. One that either in form or substance fails to meet minimum standards of sufficiency or accuracy.
pleading
in the alternative. One in which there are two or more independent claims or defenses that are not necessarily consistent, such as negligently inflicting pain and suffering, and intentionally causing property damage.
supplemental pleading
One that asserts a claim or defense based on events that occurred after the original pleading was filed, or which corrects defects in the original pleadings.

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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