Rule 302 On Counterclaim

When both sides owe each other money, the court compares the two amounts. If the defendant proves they are owed more than what the plaintiff is owed, the defendant wins the difference.

For example, if a plaintiff wins $500 from the defendant, but the defendant proves the plaintiff owes them $800, the court will order the plaintiff to pay the defendant $300. The court only issues one final judgment for the amount left over after the two sides cancel each other out.