answer

As a verb, the word denotes an assumption of liability, as to "answer" for the debt or default of another.

Discovery. A person who fails to answer, or answers evasively or incompletely, deposition or interrogatory questions, may be compelled to do so under Fed.R. Civil P. 37.

Pleading.

The response of a defendant to the plaintiffs complaint, denying in part or in whole the allegations made by the plaintiff. A pleading by which defendant endeavors to resist the plaintiffs demand by an allegation of facts, either denying allegations of plaintiffs complaint or confessing them and alleging new matter in avoidance, which defendant alleges should prevent recovery on facts alleged by plaintiff.

In pleading, under the Codes and Rules of Civil Procedure, the answer is the formal written statement made by a defendant setting forth the grounds of his defense; corresponding to what in actions under the common-law practice is called the "plea."

See Fed.R. Civil P. 8 and 12.

Under Fed.R.Civil P. 12, a person may use an answer to set up all defenses, but he also has the option to use a motion to assert certain defenses.

See also affirmative defense

- defense

- denial

- supplemental answer

- frivolous answer

- irrelevant answer

- sham answer

- answerable.

In chancery pleading, the term denotes a defense in writing, made by a defendant to the allegations contained in a bill or information filed by the plaintiff against him.

@ frivolous answer

See sham answer.

@ irrelevant answer

One that has no substantial relation to the controversy; distinguishable from a sham answer. Such may be ordered stricken under Fed.R. Civil P. 12(f).

@ sham answer

One sufficient on its face but so clearly false that it presents no real issue to be tried. One good in form, but false in fact and not pleaded in good faith. A frivolous answer, on the other hand, is one which on its face sets up no defense, although it may be true in fact. On motion of a party, the court may order stricken from the pleading any insufficient defense. Fed.R. Civil P. 12(f)

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