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counterclaim

A counterclaim is a claim for relief filed by the defendant in opposition to the claim of the plaintiff. If the defendant makes a claim against the plaintiff, such claim is called a counterclaim.

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For example, after a bank sues a customer to recover an unpaid debt, the customer files a counterclaim against the bank alleging fraud in procuring the debt.

Related Terms


A cross-complaint is an action brought by the defendant against the plaintiff or brought by one...