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Terms Used In Maryland Code, REAL PROPERTY 14-607

  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
(a) An answer to a complaint under this subtitle shall be verified and shall set forth:

(1) Any claim the defendant has to the property that is the subject of the action;

(2) Any facts tending to controvert any material allegations of the complaint that the defendant does not wish to be taken as true; and

(3) A statement of any new matter constituting a defense.

(b) If the defendant disclaims any interest in the title of the property in the answer or allows judgment to be taken without answer, the plaintiff may not recover costs.