On or before the return day of the writ, the defendant must serve and file his answer to the petition, and if there are several defendants, they may answer jointly or severally, at their option. In the case of a proceeding involving a vote on a referred or submitted question, any officer or person, on whom the writ is served, may interpose an answer, or several such officers or persons may unite in a single answer.

Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 12-21-53

  • 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.
  • Person: includes natural persons, partnerships, associations, cooperative corporations, limited liability companies, and corporations. See South Dakota Codified Laws 2-14-2
  • Writ: A formal written command, issued from the court, requiring the performance of a specific act.

Source: SDC 1939, § 16.1823.

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