| gen. |
pleading (in law, written presentation by a litigant in a lawsuit setting forth the facts upon which he claims legal relief or challenges the claims of his opponent. A pleading includes claims and counterclaims but not the evidence by which the litigant intends to prove his case. After both the plaintiff and the defendant have made their initial statements, there may be further pleadings, such as a reply, a rejoinder, and even a surrejoinder. It is open to either party to apply to strike out his opponent's pleading, or parts thereof, on the grounds that it disclosed no cause of action or defense or on certain other grounds. Likewise, either party may seek further particulars of his opponent's pleading, and the court may order that these be furnished. If a factual allegation is not refuted or denied, it is assumed to be admitted. Britannica Alexander Demidov) |
