Rule 107 Definition of a “Pleading;” Interpretation of Pleadings
Part III: Presenting Claims and Defenses; Preparing Court Documents; Signatures
Rule Text
a. “Pleading” defined. A “pleading” is a document a party files with the court that states a claim or a defense or that responds to a claim or defense in a lawsuit. Claims, responses, and defenses must be stated in one of the following pleadings:
(1) A complaint;
(2) An answer to the complaint;
(3) A counterclaim;
(4) An answer to a counterclaim;
(5) A cross-claim;
(6) An answer to a cross-claim;
(7) A third-party complaint;
(8) An answer to a third-party complaint.
Additional information about these pleadings is contained in Rules 110, 111, 116, 117, 118, and 119. [ARCP 7(a)]
b. Simple and concise statements. Statements in pleadings must be simple and concise. [ARCP 8(e)]
c. Interpretation of pleadings. The court will interpret pleadings to do justice. [ARCP 8(f)]
Amendment history: Adopted Aug. 30, 2012, effective Jan. 1, 2013.