Legal Definitions - motion for more definite statement

Motion for More Definite Statement

A motion for more definite statement is a formal request made by one party in a lawsuit, asking the court to compel the opposing party to clarify a legal document (known as a "pleading," such as a complaint or an answer) that is so vague, ambiguous, or unclear that the requesting party cannot reasonably prepare a proper response.

This type of motion is typically used when the pleading's lack of clarity makes it impossible to understand the specific claims or defenses being made, preventing the other party from admitting, denying, or otherwise addressing the allegations. It is not intended to gather detailed evidence for trial—that is the purpose of discovery procedures like interrogatories and depositions. Courts generally disfavor these motions and grant them only when a pleading is so unintelligible that a meaningful response is genuinely impossible.

• Scenario 1: Breach of Contract
  

  A small business, "InnovateTech," files a lawsuit against a supplier, "Global Parts Inc.," alleging "numerous breaches of contract over the past three years, causing significant financial harm." However, InnovateTech's complaint does not specify which contracts were breached, what specific provisions were violated, or the dates and nature of these alleged breaches. Global Parts Inc. would likely file a motion for more definite statement because, without knowing which contracts or specific actions are in question, they cannot reasonably admit or deny the allegations or prepare a defense.

• Scenario 2: Property Dispute
  

  A homeowner, Ms. Chen, sues her neighbor, Mr. Davis, claiming "encroachment on my property." Ms. Chen's complaint simply states that "your structures are on my land" without providing any specific details such as property lines, survey references, the type of structures in question (e.g., a fence, a shed, a driveway), or the exact location of the alleged encroachment. Mr. Davis would be unable to respond effectively (e.g., by confirming or denying the encroachment, or by presenting his own survey data) without a clearer understanding of the specific claim. A motion for more definite statement would ask Ms. Chen to provide these essential details.

• Scenario 3: Product Liability Claim
  

  A consumer files a lawsuit against a large electronics manufacturer, alleging that they were injured by a "defective product" made by the company. The complaint, however, fails to identify the specific product model, the date of purchase, the nature of the alleged defect, or how the injury occurred. The manufacturer, which produces thousands of different electronic devices, cannot reasonably respond to such a broad accusation. They would file a motion for more definite statement to compel the consumer to specify the product, the defect, and the circumstances of the injury so they can investigate and formulate a proper legal response.