Rule 7(a) pleadings include which of the following items?

• A. A complaint
• B. An answer to a complaint
• C. A third-party complaint
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Rule 7(a) defines what documents count as pleadings in a federal civil action. A complaint starts the case, laying out the claim and relief sought. An answer to a complaint is the defendant’s response admitting, denying, or raising defenses to those allegations. A third-party complaint lets a defendant bring in another party who may be liable to the plaintiff. An answer to a counterclaim or an answer to a crossclaim responds to those additional claims. A reply to an answer to a counterclaim may be required if the court orders it. Because each of these documents fits the definition of a pleading under Rule 7(a), all of the listed items are pleadings.