Who may file a Rule 12(c) motion?

• A. Only defendants
• B. Both parties
• C. Only plaintiffs
• D. Only third-party defendants

Answer: (B)

Rule 12(c) motions are requests for judgment on the pleadings, brought after the pleadings are closed and before trial. The key point is that this is available to any party to the case, not just the defendant. That means plaintiffs, defendants, and third-party defendants can move for judgment on the pleadings if the face of the pleadings shows that one side is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. The motion relies on the pleadings alone (the complaint, answer, and any counterclaims or crossclaims), treating them as true for purposes of the decision. If outside evidence is presented, the court should convert the motion to one for summary judgment. In short, the option to file is not restricted to one side; any party can bring it, so “both parties” is the correct understanding.