Legal Definitions - motion for a more definite statement

A motion for a more definite statement is a request made by a party to the court, asking the opponent to clarify a vague or ambiguous pleading. This motion is used when the party cannot reasonably respond to the pleading without further clarification.

For example, if a plaintiff files a complaint that is too vague or unclear, the defendant may file a motion for a more definite statement. This motion asks the plaintiff to provide more specific details about their claim so that the defendant can respond appropriately.

However, this motion is not always granted. The court will only grant the motion if the pleading is so vague or ambiguous that the party cannot reasonably be required to frame a responsive pleading. If the pleading is sufficiently clear, the motion will be denied.

It's important to note that this motion is not used to force the plaintiff to include additional details that may make the complaint vulnerable to a motion to dismiss.

Overall, a motion for a more definite statement is a tool used to ensure that both parties have a clear understanding of the claims being made and can respond appropriately.