Which term refers to a defendant's claim against the plaintiff?

Study for the New York State Court Assistant Legal Terminology Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each complete with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which term refers to a defendant's claim against the plaintiff?

Explanation:
In civil cases, a defendant may respond to the plaintiff’s claim not only with defenses but also by bringing their own claim against the plaintiff. This is called a counterclaim. It’s the term that describes a defendant’s own assertion for relief against the plaintiff within the same lawsuit. The other options don’t fit: a default is failing to respond, a decision is the court’s ruling, and a defendant is the party, not a claim.

In civil cases, a defendant may respond to the plaintiff’s claim not only with defenses but also by bringing their own claim against the plaintiff. This is called a counterclaim. It’s the term that describes a defendant’s own assertion for relief against the plaintiff within the same lawsuit. The other options don’t fit: a default is failing to respond, a decision is the court’s ruling, and a defendant is the party, not a claim.

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