Answer
- Answer
An answer was originally a solemn assertion in opposition to some one or something, and thus generally any counter-statement or defense, a reply to a question or objection, or a correct solution of a problem.[ [http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Answer Answer - LoveToKnow 1911 ] ] 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 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 guilty 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 fines 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.
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.
Generally, an answer is a reply to a question or is a solution, a retaliation, or a response. [http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/answer]
References
*
Wikimedia Foundation.
2010.
Synonyms:
Look at other dictionaries:
answer — an·swer 1 n 1: the defendant s written response to the plaintiff s complaint in a civil suit in which he or she may deny any of plaintiff s allegations, offer any defenses, and make any counterclaims against the plaintiff, cross claims against… … Law dictionary
answer — n reply, response, rejoinder, retort (see under ANSWER vb 1) Analogous words: defense, vindication, justification (see corresponding verbs at MAINTAIN): refutation, rebuttal (see corresponding verbs at DISPROVE) Contrasted words: question, query … New Dictionary of Synonyms
answer to — 1. To give an indication of accepting as one s name 2. To have as one s name (informal) 3. To be accountable to • • • Main Entry: ↑answer * * * answer to (the name of) often humorous be called … Useful english dictionary
Answer — An swer ([a^]n s[ e]r), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Answered} ([a^]n s[ e]rd); p. pr. & vb. n. {Answering}.] [OE. andswerien, AS. andswerian, andswarian, to answer, fr. andswaru, n., answer. See {Answer}, n.] 1. To speak in defense against; to reply to… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
answer — [an′sər, än′sər] n. [ME andsware < OE andswaru < and , against + swerian, SWEAR] 1. something said or written in return to a question, argument, letter, etc. 2. any act in response or retaliation [his answer was a well aimed blow] 3. one… … English World dictionary
Answer — An swer, v. i. 1. To speak or write by way of return (originally, to a charge), or in reply; to make response. [1913 Webster] There was no voice, nor any that answered. 1 Kings xviii. 26. [1913 Webster] 2. To make a satisfactory response or… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Answer — An swer, n. [OE. andsware, AS. andswaru; and against + swerian to swear. [root]177, 196. See {Anti }, and {Swear}, and cf. 1st {un }.] 1. A reply to a charge; a defense. [1913 Webster] At my first answer no man stood with me. 2 Tim. iv. 16. [1913 … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Answer Me — is a popular song, originally written (with German lyrics, under the title Mutterlein ) by Gerhard Winkler and Fred Rauch. The English lyrics were written by Carl Sigman in 1952. After the song was recorded by David Whitfield and Frankie Laine in … Wikipedia
Answer — Pour l’article homonyme, voir The Answer. Answer est un film américain indépendant réalisé par Spike Lee en 1980. Fiche technique Réalisation : Spike Lee Pays … Wikipédia en Français
answer to — a person or thing regarded as the equivalent to a better known one from another place: → answer answer to be responsible or report to. → answer … English new terms dictionary
answer — [n] reply; reaction acknowledgment, antiphon, backcap*, back talk, band aid*, close, comeback, comment, cooler*, counterclaim, crack, defense, disclosure, echo, elucidation, explanation, feedback, guff*, interpretation, justification, key, lip*,… … New thesaurus