Under Rule 12(f)(1), may the court strike a pleading at any time?

• A. Only with consent
• B. True
• C. False
• D. Only before trial

Answer: (B)

Rule 12(f) gives the court authority to strike from any pleading any redundant, immaterial, impertinent, or scandalous matter. This drastic remedy can be invoked either on a motion by a party or by the court on its own initiative, and there is no fixed time barrier—courts may exercise this power at any point before final judgment. It’s a tool used sparingly and primarily for cleansing the pleadings of material that could prejudice or confuse the issues. So, the statement that the court may strike a pleading at any time is correct, within the pre-final-judgment window.