Summary. Rule 12(f) allows courts to strike redundant, immaterial, impertinent, or scandalous matter from pleadings. Judge Hollander's opinion in Blevins v. Piatt provides clear criteria for granting or denying a Rule 12(f) motion.
A motion for more definite statement in many jurisdictions in the United States, and under United States federal law, is a means of obtaining a more detailed motion from the opposing party in a civil case before interposing a responsive pleading.
A motion to strike is a request to a judge that part of a party's pleading or a piece of evidence be removed from the record. During the pleading stage, this can be accomplished by a tool such as Rule 12(f) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure or a state equivalent.
Rule 12(b)(6) is a provision under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure that allows a defendant to seek dismissal of a complaint for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.
(e) Motion for More Definite Statement. If a pleading to which a responsive pleading is permitted is so vague or ambiguous that a party cannot reasonably be required to frame a responsive pleading, the party may move for a more definite statement before interposing the party's responsive pleadings.
A motion for a more definite statement must be filed before filing a responsive pleading. FRCP 12(e). Therefore, unless ordered otherwise by the court, the motion must be filed within 21 days after being served with a summons and complaint, or within 60 days if service of the complaint was timely waived.
Summary. Rule 12(f) allows courts to strike redundant, immaterial, impertinent, or scandalous matter from pleadings. Judge Hollander's opinion in Blevins v. Piatt provides clear criteria for granting or denying a Rule 12(f) motion.
Rule 12— Defenses and Objections— When and How Presented— By Pleading or Motion— Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings. (a) When Presented. (1) Unless a different time is prescribed in a statute of the United States, a defendant shall serve an answer.