What does the phrase 'a party against whom a judgment for affirmative relief is sought' mean?

• A. A party facing a claim for money damages or an injunction
• B. A party who has filed a complaint
• C. A party who has been dismissed by the court
• D. A party who has prevailed in earlier litigation

Answer: (A)

In a civil action, affirmative relief means a remedy the plaintiff asks the court to grant, such as money damages or an injunction. The phrase describes the party who must respond to that request—the party against whom the relief is sought. That is typically the defendant. It is not the plaintiff, who filed the complaint, nor someone who has been dismissed, nor someone who won a prior case.