Indiana Code 33-31-2-4. Exceptions to formal practice and procedure
(b) A defendant is considered to have complied with the statute and rule requiring the filing of an answer upon entering an appearance personally or by attorney. The appearance constitutes a general denial and preserves all defenses and compulsory counterclaims, which may then be presented at the trial of the case.
Terms Used In Indiana Code 33-31-2-4
- Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
- Attorney: includes a counselor or other person authorized to appear and represent a party in an action or special proceeding. See Indiana Code 1-1-4-5
- Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
- Continuance: Putting off of a hearing ot trial until a later time.
- Counterclaim: A claim that a defendant makes against a plaintiff.
- Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- Docket: A log containing brief entries of court proceedings.
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
- Pleadings: Written statements of the parties in a civil case of their positions. In the federal courts, the principal pleadings are the complaint and the answer.
- Statute: A law passed by a legislature.
- Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
(1) that the complaint is so vague or ambiguous that the defendant was unable to determine the nature of the plaintiff‘s claim; or
(2) that the plaintiff is surprised by a defense or compulsory counterclaim raised by the defendant that the plaintiff could not reasonably have anticipated;
the court shall grant a continuance.
(d) The trial shall be conducted informally, with the objective of dispensing speedy justice between the parties according to the rules of substantive law. The trial is not bound by the statutes or rules governing practice, procedure, pleadings, or evidence except for provisions relating to privileged communications and offers of compromise.
As added by P.L.201-2011, SEC.30.