In New York, which item is included in the content of an answer?

• A. Affirmative defenses
• B. Cross-claims against other D
• C. Denials
• D. Counter-claims against P

Answer: (C)

In New York, the answer is all about how you respond to the plaintiff’s allegations. For each paragraph of the complaint, you must indicate whether you admit the fact, deny it, or say you lack sufficient knowledge to admit or deny. The core way you oppose the plaintiff’s claims is by denying the allegations—stating that you do not accept the facts as asserted. This denial is the essential content of the answer because it directly counters the plaintiff’s asserted facts.

Other pleading devices, like cross-claims against co-defendants or counterclaims against the plaintiff, are separate kinds of claims that may be raised, and affirmative defenses are handled in different sections or pleadings, not simply the denial/answer to each allegation. But the fundamental substance that goes into the answer itself is denying (or admitting/lack of knowledge for) the plaintiff’s pleaded facts.