What is pleading?
Q: What is pleading?
A: Pleading is the first step in a lawsuit where parties formally submit their claims and defenses.
Q: What is a complaint?
A: A complaint is the first pleading filed by a plaintiff which starts the lawsuit. It lists the relevant allegations of fact which leads to one or more legal causes of action. It also has a prayer for relief and sometimes a statement of damages claimed.
Q: What is an ad quod damnum clause?
A: An ad quod damnum clause is a clause included in a complaint that specifies the damages claimed by the plaintiff.
Q: What is a petitioner?
A: A petitioner is the party who files a complaint or petition in a lawsuit.
Q: What is a respondent?
A: A respondent is the party who is defending against the complaint or petition in a lawsuit.
Q: In what situations is a complaint called a petition?
A: In some situations, a complaint is called a petition.
Q: What is the initial pleading called in equity?
A: In equity, the initial pleading may be called either a petition or a bill of complaint in chancery.
