Pleadings and motions

Pleadings and motions are key components of legal proceedings. Pleadings are formal documents filed by parties in a case, outlining their claims, defenses, and positions. For instance, a plaintiff’s complaint states their case, while the defendant’s answer responds to those claims. Motions are requests made to the court for specific rulings or orders during the case, such as asking to dismiss the case or compel certain actions. Together, pleadings and motions help clarify issues, set the stage for the trial, and guide the court’s decisions throughout the legal process.