Legal Definitions - answer day

Answer day refers to the specific deadline, established by court rules or statute, by which a party in a legal case (most commonly the defendant) must file their formal written response to a complaint, petition, or other legal document. This date is crucial because failing to submit a response by the answer day can lead to significant legal consequences, such as a default judgment being entered against the non-responding party.

• Example 1: Civil Lawsuit Response

  Imagine a software company is sued by a former client for alleged breach of contract. After being officially served with the lawsuit papers (the summons and complaint), the summons clearly states that the company has 21 days from the date of service to file a formal "answer" with the court. The 21st day marks their answer day. If the company fails to submit its written response by this date, the former client could ask the court to issue a default judgment, potentially winning the case without a trial.

• Example 2: Eviction Proceedings

  Consider a tenant who receives an eviction notice from their landlord, followed by a formal eviction lawsuit filed in court. The court documents accompanying the lawsuit will specify a particular date by which the tenant must file a written response, often called an "answer" or "response to unlawful detainer," explaining their side of the story or presenting any defenses they may have. This designated date is the tenant's answer day. Missing this deadline could result in the court ruling in favor of the landlord and ordering the tenant's immediate eviction.

• Example 3: Administrative Agency Complaint

  Suppose a state's professional licensing board initiates a formal complaint against a doctor, alleging professional misconduct. The complaint document sent to the doctor will include a clear instruction stating that the doctor must submit a written response, admitting or denying the allegations and outlining any defenses, within 30 days of receiving the complaint. This 30th day serves as the doctor's answer day within the administrative process. Failure to respond by this date could lead to the board making a decision based solely on the initial complaint, potentially resulting in disciplinary action against the doctor's license.