A motion for a more definite statement is designed to provide a party with a remedy when it is served with an unintelligible pleading. See Point of Law (POL); see Smart Code®. A motion for a more definite statement must be filed before filing a responsive pleading. FRCP 12(e).
The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure states that "The court may strike from a pleading an insufficient defense or any redundant, immaterial, impertinent, or scandalous matter." Similarly, for example, the California Code of Civil Procedure provides that a motion to strike may be made to strike out any "irrelevant, ...
A motion is a proposal that the entire board take action or stand on an issue. A motion should express a decision in precise terms that, if approved, will be self-explanatory. Typically a motion must be seconded by another director as a precondition to the discussion.
Rule 11 - Signing Pleadings, Motions, and Other Papers; Representations to the Court; Sanctions (a) Signature. Every pleading, written motion, and other paper must be signed by at least one attorney of record in the attorney's name-or by a party personally if the party is unrepresented.
A party may move for a more definite statement of a pleading to which a responsive pleading is allowed but which is so vague or ambiguous that the party cannot reasonably prepare a response. The motion must be made before filing a responsive pleading and must point out the defects complained of and the details desired.
(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.
Rule 56 - Summary Judgment (a)Motion for Summary Judgment or Partial Summary Judgment. A party may move for summary judgment, identifying each claim or defense-or the part of each claim or defense-on which summary judgment is sought.
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.