(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 focused on an already-filed report or disclosure is usually framed as a motion to strike, while motions to keep things from trial or from consideration on summary judgment are usually motions in limine or motions to exclude. Follow local practice on how to label the motion.
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.
What happens next? If we filed the motion to strike in a trial court, then we will set the motion to be heard by a judge or magistrate, and be ruled upon. If we filed it in an appeals court, the appeals court will read the motion and offending document and will rule on it without hearing.
File a response to the motion to strike. In your response, you should argue that your answer to the defendant's motion for summary judgment was not too long and that it added new information to the case. You should also argue that the defendant's motion to strike should be denied.
Motion to strike, dismiss or amplify. (a) A party deeming a pleading insufficient in form may file with the Commission a motion to strike. A party deeming a pleading insufficient in substance, or desiring to question the jurisdiction of the Commission, may file with the Commission a motion to dismiss.
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(f) provides in relevant part that on motion or sua sponte, “the court may strike from a pleading . . . any redundant, immaterial, impertinent, or scandalous matter.” If Lexis annotations are a guide, relatively few litigants file Rule 12(f) motions on those grounds—and with good reason.
(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, he may move for a more definite statement before interposing his responsive pleading.
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.