If the defendant seeks to strike a matter in the complaint, this motion to strike must be made before filing an answer.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only before discovery
• D. Only after the complaint is sworn

Answer: (A)

A motion to strike is used to remove material from a pleading that is immaterial, impertinent, redundant, or scandalous. Because it targets the pleading itself, the proper time to raise it is before the defendant files an answer. Raising the motion pre-answer helps keep the case focused on live issues and prevents the cost and effort of addressing irrelevant content in the response. If the matter is struck, the defendant can answer the remaining, proper allegations without being distracted or prejudiced by the improper material. Therefore, the statement is true.