Which of the following describes types of claims for relief under Rule 8?

• A. Complaints
• B. Any answer containing a counterclaim or crossclaim
• C. Complaints and any answer containing a counterclaim or crossclaim
• D. Affidavits

Answer: (C)

Rule 8 governs the pleadings that state claims for relief and the responsive defenses. The plaintiff begins by filing a complaint that sets out the claim for relief. The defendant’s answer can include defenses and, importantly, may also assert counterclaims against the plaintiff or crossclaims against co-defendants. So the types of claims for relief described by Rule 8 encompass both the initial complaint and any counterclaims or crossclaims raised in an answer. That’s why the option describing “Complaints and any answer containing a counterclaim or crossclaim” is correct.

Affidavits are not claims for relief; they are sworn statements used as evidence, not pleadings claiming relief under Rule 8.