Terms Used In Montana Code > Title 25 > Chapter 31 > Part 4 - Commencement of Action -- Summons

• Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
• Arrest: Taking physical custody of a person by lawful authority.
• Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
• Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
• Dismissal: The dropping of a case by the judge without further consideration or hearing. ^Source:
• Person: includes a corporation or other entity as well as a natural person. See Montana Code 1-1-201
• Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
• Process: means a writ or summons issued in the course of judicial proceedings. See Montana Code 1-1-202
• Remainder: An interest in property that takes effect in the future at a specified time or after the occurrence of some event, such as the death of a life tenant.
• Summons: Another word for subpoena used by the criminal justice system.
• Writing: includes printing. See Montana Code 1-1-203