An answer must contain which elements?

• A. Must admit or deny the allegations.
• B. Must respond to the allegations in the complaint and must state any available defenses.
• C. Must respond to the allegations in the complaint; must state any available defenses; may assert his own claims against the plaintiff or co-defendants.
• D. Must include a jury demand.

Answer: (C)

The main idea tested is what an answer to a complaint must include. An answer should respond to each of the plaintiff’s allegations, stating admissions or denials (and any grounds for denial). It also must set forth any defenses the party has to the claims. In addition, the answer may bring its own claims against the plaintiff or against co-defendants (counterclaims or crossclaims) if appropriate. A jury demand, while sometimes included, is not required in every case and is governed by separate rules and timing.

That’s why the best choice includes all three elements: respond to the allegations, state defenses, and may assert one’s own claims. The option that would require a mandatory jury demand is incorrect, since a jury demand is not compulsory. It’s also incomplete to state only admissions/denials or only defenses without allowing for counterclaims.