ANSWER

answer,n.1. A defendant’s first pleading that addresses the merits of the case, usu. by denying

the plaintiff’s allegations. • An answer usu. sets forth the defendant’s defenses and counterclaims.

[Cases: Pleading    76–87. C.J.S. Pleading §§ 159–162, 164, 168–173.]

false answer.A sham answer in a pleading. See sham pleading under PLEADING (1). [Cases:

Pleading    359. C.J.S. Pleading §§ 653–654.]

2. A person’s, esp. a witness’s, response to a question posed.

evasive answer.A response that neither directly admits nor denies a question. • In discovery,

this is considered a failure to answer. Fed. R. Civ. P. 37(a)(3).

unresponsive  answer.Evidence.  A  response  from  a  witness (usu.  at  a  deposition  or  hearing)

that is irrelevant to the question asked. — Also termed nonresponsive answer. [Cases: Witnesses

248. C.J.S. Witnesses § 430.]

3.Patents. A patent applicant’s response to an office action.

answer,vb.1.  To  respond  to  a  question,  a  pleading,  or  a  discovery  request  <  the  company

failed  to  answer  the  interrogatories  within  30  days>.  [Cases:  Pleading    76–100;  Pretrial

Procedure    301–306. C.J.S. Discovery §§ 63–70; Pleading§§ 159–162, 164, 166, 168–178, 202,

764, 769.] 2. To assume the liability of another <a guarantor answers for another person’s debt>.3.

To pay (a debt or other liability) <she promised to answer damages out of her own estate>. [Blacks Law 8th]