What is the name given to a legal written response from a defendant to a complaint?

The term for a legal written response from a defendant to a complaint is referred to as an "Answer." An Answer serves as the defendant's formal reply to the allegations presented in a complaint filed against them in a civil lawsuit. In this document, the defendant addresses each claim made by the plaintiff, either admitting, denying, or stating that they lack sufficient information to respond.

An Answer is a crucial step in legal proceedings because it establishes the issues that will be contested in court and allows the defendant to assert defenses or counterclaims. This document is essential for the court to understand the positions of both parties involved in the litigation.

The other terms, while related to legal proceedings, do not fulfill the same function. A motion refers to a request made to the court for a specific ruling or order, an affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath, and a counterclaim is a claim made by a defendant against the plaintiff in response to the original complaint.