Simple English definitions for legal terms
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A cross-suit is a legal claim made by one defendant or plaintiff against another defendant or plaintiff in the same case. This claim must relate to the subject of the original claim or counterclaim. It is also known as a cross-claim or cross-action. It is different from a counterclaim, which is a claim made against an opposing party. Cross-claims can only be made against co-parties and must be related to the subject matter of the original action or property involved in the case.
Definition: A cross-suit is a type of legal claim that is made between co-defendants or co-plaintiffs in a case. It relates to the subject of the original claim or counterclaim.
For example, if two people are being sued for a car accident, one defendant might file a cross-suit against the other defendant, claiming that they were also at fault for the accident. This is different from a counterclaim, which is a claim made by one party against the opposing party.
The rules for cross-claims are more limited than those for counterclaims. Only claims related to the subject matter of the original action or property involved therein are appropriate as cross-claims.