What is a "Counterclaim" in legal terms?

A counterclaim is a legal term used to describe a claim made by a defendant against a plaintiff in response to the original complaint. In essence, when a defendant believes they have a valid claim against the plaintiff, they can file a counterclaim as part of their defense. This allows the defendant not only to deny the allegations made against them but also to assert their own claims for damages or other remedies.

By filing a counterclaim, the defendant shifts the focus from merely defending against the plaintiff's accusations to actively seeking relief for their own grievances. This process can complicate proceedings as it introduces additional claims and may lead to counterarguments from the plaintiff. Understanding counterclaims is crucial as they can significantly affect the outcome of a case, with both parties needing to prepare their evidence and arguments in support of their respective claims.

The other options describe different legal concepts or situations that do not accurately define a counterclaim, emphasizing why the correct understanding of this term is important in legal contexts.