Pleadings -- Documents exchanged to initiate lawsuit Complaint Answer Summons Discovery –Depositions from Witnesses: –Production of Documents –Written Interrogatories Pretrial Conference Motions Pretrial Procedures

Pleadings: the Complaint Plaintiff files to initiate suit Served on Defendant along with Summons Must Meet 3 Requirements: –Brief Description of Facts Giving Rise to Suit –State Basis of Court’s Jurisdiction –Statement of Relief Sought Plead “Ultimate Facts” -- conclusions, not evidence

Pleadings: the Answer Filed by Defendant in Response to Complaint Must Address Issues Raised in Complaint May Include Counterclaim -- D also suing Plaintiff Failure to respond within time limit may cause Default Judgment

Pleadings: the Summons Issued by the Court Informs Defendant that suit has been filed Directs Defendant to Respond by Filing Answer to Complaint with appropriate time period Served on Defendant along with Complaint