Answer 642 224290907 2008-07-08T04:59:25Z 68.4.167.210 {{CivilProcedure}} An <b>answer</b> was originally a solemn assertion in opposition to some one or something, and thus generally any counter-statement or defence, a reply to a question or objection, or a correct solution of a problem.<ref>[http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Answer Answer - LoveToKnow 1911<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In the [[common law]], an '''answer''' is the first [[pleading]] by a [[defendant]], usually filed and served upon the [[plaintiff]] within a certain strict time limit after a civil [[complaint]] or criminal [[information]] or [[indictment]] has been served upon the defendant. It may have been preceded by an ''optional'' "pre-answer" [[motion to dismiss]] or [[demurrer]]; if such a motion is unsuccessful, the defendant ''must'' file an answer to the complaint or risk an adverse [[default judgment]]. The ''answer'' establishes which allegations ([[cause of action]] in civil matters) set forth by the complaining party will be contested by the defendant, and states all the defendant's [[Defense (legal)|defenses]], thus establishing the nature and parameters of the controversy to be decided by the [[court]]. In a criminal case, there is usually an [[arraignment]] or some other kind of appearance before the court by the defendant. The pleading in the criminal case, which is entered on the record in open court, is usually either [[guilt]]y or not guilty. Generally speaking in private, civil cases there is no plea entered of guilt or innocence. There is only a judgment that grants money damages or some other kind of [[equitable remedy]] such as [[restitution]] or a permanent [[injunction]]. Criminal cases may lead to [[fine]]s or other [[punishment]], such as [[imprisonment]].{{Fact|date=May 2008}} The famous Latin ''Responsa Prudentium'' ("answers of the learned ones") were the accumulated views of many successive generations of Roman lawyers, a body of legal opinion which gradually became authoritative.<ref>[http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Answer Answer - LoveToKnow 1911<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In music an "'''answer'''" (also known as [[countersubject]]) is the technical name in counterpoint for the repetition or modification by one part or instrument of a theme proposed by another.<ref>[http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Answer Answer - LoveToKnow 1911<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Generally, an '''answer''' is a reply to a question or is a solution, a retaliation, or a response.<ref>http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/answer</ref> == References == <references/> {{Nofootnotes|article|date=July 2007}} * {{1911}} [[Category:Common law]] [[Category:Legal documents]] [[de:Antwort]] [[nl:Antwoord]] [[pl:Odpowiedź]] [[ru:Ответ]] [[yi:ענטפער]]