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Simple English definitions for legal terms
reply
Read a random definition: attendant circumstance
A quick definition of reply:
Reply: A reply is when someone answers back to something that was said or written to them. In legal terms, it can refer to a plaintiff's response to a defendant's counterclaim or plea. It is the second pleading in common-law pleading and is followed by the defendant's rejoinder.
A more thorough explanation:
A reply is a response to a statement or question made by someone else. In legal terms, a reply can refer to:
- The plaintiff's response to the defendant's counterclaim in federal court.
- The plaintiff's response to the defendant's plea or answer in common-law pleading.
Example 1: In a federal court case, the defendant files a counterclaim against the plaintiff. The plaintiff then files a reply to respond to the counterclaim.
Example 2: In a common-law pleading, the defendant files an answer to the plaintiff's complaint. The plaintiff then files a reply to respond to the defendant's answer.
Both examples illustrate how a reply is a response to a previous statement or question. In legal terms, a reply is a specific type of response that is filed in court to address a counterclaim or answer.