Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: ex parte motion
Common-law pleading is a system of defining and narrowing the issues in a lawsuit whereby the parties file formal documents alleging their respective positions. It was historically used in the three common-law courts of England up to 1873.
Examples of common-law pleadings include:
These examples illustrate how common-law pleading involves formal documents that set forth or respond to allegations, claims, denials, or defenses in a legal proceeding. The purpose of common-law pleading is to define and narrow the issues in a lawsuit so that the parties can present their respective positions and the court can make a fair and just decision.