If no answer is made a peremptory mandamus shall be allowed against the defendant; if an answer is made containing new matter, the plaintiff may, on the trial or other proceedings, avail himself of any valid objection to its sufficiency, or may countervail it by evidence either in direct denial or by way of avoidance.

Terms Used In New Mexico Statutes 44-2-10

  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • 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.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.