Rule 9 applies to which pleadings?

• A. All pleadings, including complaints and answers
• B. Only complaints
• C. Only answers
• D. Only motions

Answer: (A)

Rule 9 requires that certain matters alleged in a pleading be stated with particularity. This requirement isn’t confined to the complaint; it applies to any pleading in the case that asserts a special matter. That means both sides must meet Rule 9’s particularity standard when they plead facts about capacity, authority, the genuineness of instruments, or other listed special matters. Since an answer may contain such factual assertions as well, it must satisfy Rule 9 just like the complaint. Motions, by contrast, aren’t pleadings, so Rule 9 isn’t directing their content. So Rule 9 applies to all pleadings, including complaints and answers.