Court Interpreter Written Practice Exam 2026 - Free Interpreter Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide

Pleadings in a lawsuit refer specifically to the written statements of fact filed by the parties involved in a case. These documents serve to outline each party's claims and defenses, helping to set the framework for the legal proceedings that follow. They are essential to the litigation process because they inform the court and the opposing party of the issues that are being contested and the basis for those issues.

Examples of pleadings include the complaint, which is filed by the plaintiff to start the lawsuit, and the answer, which is the defendant's response to the allegations made in the complaint. The format and requirements for pleadings are typically governed by procedural rules specific to the jurisdiction where the lawsuit is taking place. This makes pleadings a critical component in ensuring that all parties are on the same page regarding the claims at hand, and they provide the court with a clear understanding of the matters that need to be resolved.