answer
An answer is a reply to a question or a solution to a problem.
In law, an answer refers to a defendant ’s first formal written statement to a plaintiff ’s initial petition or complaint . This opening written statement will admit or deny the allegations , or demand more information about the claims of wrongdoing. Mostly, an answer includes the defendant’s counterclaims (allegations or claims against the plaintiff) and/or affirmative defenses (legal defenses that can defeat the plaintiff’s claim).
[Last reviewed in June of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team ]
Wex