Rule 107. Definition of a “Pleading;” Interpretation of Pleadings

a. “Pleading” defined. A “pleading” is a document a party files with the court that states a claim or a defense or that responds to a claim or defense in a lawsuit. Claims, responses, and defenses must be stated in one of the following pleadings: (1) A complaint; (2) An answer to the complaint; (3) A counterclaim; (4) An answer to a counterclaim; (5) A cross-claim; (6) An answer to a cross-claim; (7) A third-party complaint; (8) An answer to a third-party complaint. Additional information about these pleadings is contained in Rules 110, 111, 116, 117, 118, and 119. [ARCP 7(a)] b. Simple and concise statements. Statements in pleadings must be simple and concise. [ARCP 8(e)] c. Interpretation of pleadings. The court will interpret pleadings to do justice. [ARCP 8(f)]