Terms Used In Missouri Laws 509.100

  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • 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.

Averments in a pleading to which a responsive pleading is required, other than those as to the amount of damage, are admitted when not denied in the responsive pleadings. When a reply is filed, whether required or not, all affirmative defenses of the answer which are not denied in the reply are deemed admitted. Averments in a pleading to which a responsive pleading is not filed and is not required shall be taken as denied or avoided.