Who may file a motion for more definite statement?

• A. Only plaintiffs
• B. Only defendants
• C. Only those defending against a claim
• D. Any party

Answer: (C)

In civil procedure, a motion for a more definite statement is a tool used when a pleading is so vague or ambiguous that the party who must respond cannot prepare an appropriate answer. The party who gets to file this motion is the one who would respond to the pleading, because the goal is to obtain enough detail to craft an answer, admissions, or defenses. Typically, that means the defendant—the party being sued or faced with a claim—needs clarification from the plaintiff's complaint before filing an answer. Therefore, only those defending against a claim may file such a motion. The plaintiff would not file this motion against their own pleading, and the remedy isn’t available to every party unless they are in a position to respond.