What is a response by the defendant that denies the plaintiff's claims called?

The response by the defendant that denies the plaintiff's claims is referred to as an "Answer." This document is crucial in civil litigation as it allows the defendant to formally respond to the allegations presented in the plaintiff's complaint. By providing an answer, the defendant can dispute the facts asserted by the plaintiff, raise defenses, and potentially introduce counterclaims. This step is essential in ensuring that the legal process is fair and that both parties have the opportunity to present their side of the case.

In contrast, an affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath, used to present evidence rather than to respond to claims. Allocution refers to a formal statement made by a defendant to a judge before sentencing, which does not pertain to responding to a complaint. Affirm generally means to declare or confirm, but it is not a specific legal term for the defendant's response to claims. Thus, the term "Answer" clearly represents the formal mechanism through which a defendant engages with the allegations made against them in court.