What is a counterclaim?

A counterclaim is a significant legal concept that refers to a situation in which a defendant asserts a claim against the plaintiff in response to the original claim made by the plaintiff. This is commonly seen in civil litigation where the defendant not only defends against the plaintiff's allegations but also seeks relief or damages from the plaintiff.

By filing a counterclaim, the defendant is essentially flipping the situation and placing the plaintiff in a position where they must answer to the new allegations. This can be a strategic move, as it allows the defendant to have their issues heard in the same legal proceeding, thereby promoting efficiency in the judicial process.

The other options refer to different legal concepts that do not match the definition of a counterclaim. A motion to dismiss, for example, is a request to terminate the case without further consideration, while a request for additional evidence pertains to the gathering of proof rather than asserting a new claim. A reply to a complaint, on the other hand, is a response to the allegations laid out by the plaintiff rather than a new claim made by the defendant.